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"My Novel" — Volume 12
"My Novel" — Volume 12

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12 is here in full — 105 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for "My Novel" — Volume 12
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.
The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.
Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.
What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?
He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

"My Novel" — Volume 12

Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

Chapter 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12 is here in full — 105 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.
/ðə ˈliːdɪŋ ˈmembərz ʌv ðə bluː kəˈmɪti wɜːr ˌɪnˈvaɪtəd tuː daɪn æt ðə pɑːrk ənd ðə ˈaʊər fɔːr ðə ˌentərˈteɪnmənt wɑːz ˌɪnˈdiːd ˈɜːrli æz ðer maɪt biː mʌtʃ niːd jet ʌv ˈæktɪv ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən ɑːn ðə iːv ʌv ə poʊl ɪn ə ˈkɑːntest ɪkˈspektəd tuː biː soʊ kloʊs ənd ɪn wɪtʃ ðə ˌɪnˈfleksəbəl ˈhʌndrəd ənd ˈfɪfti ˈweɪtərz əˈpɑːn ˈprɑː.və.dəns stɪl rɪˈzɜːrvd ðer ˈveri ˈvæljəbəl voʊts/
Line 2
The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.
Line 3
Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.
Line 4
What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?
/wʌt dɪd ɪt ˈsɪɡnəfaɪ ɪf ə spiːtʃ feɪld prəˈvaɪdɪd ðə ɪˈlekʃən wɑːz sɪˈkjʊr/
Line 5
He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

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.

equivocal adjective US /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead

From this reading “Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.”

inflexible adjective US /ˌɪnˈfleksəbəl/

incapable of change

From this reading “The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.”

plea noun US /pliː/

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading “The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.”

poll noun US /poʊl/

an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people

From this reading “The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.”

signify verb US /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪ/

denote or connote

From this reading “What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?”

unwell adjective US /ənˈwel/

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading “The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.”

votes noun US /voʊts/

plural of “vote” — a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative

From this reading “The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.”

Waiters noun US /ˈweɪtərz/

plural of “waiter” — a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)

From this reading “The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.”

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 The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

absencenounUS /ˈæbsəns/

the state of being absent

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

activeadjectiveUS /ˈæktɪv/

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

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 He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/

having life or vigor or spirit

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

Audley

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

Avenel

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

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

BlueadjectiveUS /bluː/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

CommitteenounUS /kəˈmɪti/

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

contestnounUS /ˈkɑːntest/

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

despiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

DicknounUS /dɪk/

someone who is a detective

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

dineverbUS /daɪn/

have supper; eat dinner

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

dinnernounUS /ˈdɪnər/

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

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 The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

Egerton

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

electionnounUS /ɪˈlekʃən/

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

equivocaladjectiveUS /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

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 The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/

use of physical or mental energy; hard work

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

failedverbUS /feɪld/

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

FiftynounUS /ˈfɪfti/

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

Harley

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

HundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/

ten 10s

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

increasedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːst/

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

indispositionnoun

a slight illness

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

inflexibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfleksəbəl/

incapable of change

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

instantnounUS /ˈɪnstənt/

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

invitedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtəd/

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

joinverbUS /dʒɔɪn/

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

longingnounUS /ˈlɔːŋɪŋ/

prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

membersnounUS /ˈmembərz/

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

neednounUS /niːd/

a condition requiring relief

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

ParknounUS /pɑːrk/

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

pleanounUS /pliː/

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

pollnounUS /poʊl/

an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

ProvidencenounUS /ˈprɑː.və.dəns/

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

Randal

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

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

roomsnounUS /ruːmz/

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

secureverbUS /sɪˈkjʊr/

get by special effort

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

sentnounUS /sent/

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

shutverbUS /ʃʌt/

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

signifyverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪ/

denote or connote

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

speechnounUS /spiːtʃ/

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

spiritsnounUS /ˈspɪrɪts/

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

successnounUS /səkˈses/

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Randal was really in high spirits, despite the very equivocal success of his speech.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

town-hall

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

unwelladjectiveUS /ənˈwel/

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

valuableadjectiveUS /ˈvæljəbəl/

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

votesnounUS /voʊts/

plural of “vote” — a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

WaitersnounUS /ˈweɪtərz/

plural of “waiter” — a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What did it signify if a speech failed, provided the election was secure?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was longing for the appointment with Dick Avenel which was to make "all right!"

wordnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading The party was gay and animated, despite the absence of Audley Egerton, who, on the plea of increased indisposition, had shut himself up in his rooms the instant that he had returned from the town-hall, and sent word to Harley that he was too unwell to join the party at dinner.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading The leading members of the Blue Committee were invited to dine at the Park, and the hour for the entertainment was indeed early, as there might be much need yet of active exertion on the eve of a poll in a contest expected to be so close, and in which the inflexible Hundred and Fifty "Waiters upon Providence" still reserved their very valuable votes.

Chapter 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton holds 105 sentences, grouped into 21 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 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12 contain?

Chapter 26 holds 105 sentences of "My Novel" — Volume 12, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 105 sentences, grouped into 21 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 26 of "My Novel" — Volume 12?

Work through the 21 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 21 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 26 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 26 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 "My Novel" — Volume 12

Common questions about reading "My Novel" — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of "My Novel" — Volume 12?

Yes. All 5092 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7713 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of "My Novel" — Volume 12 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7713, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does "My Novel" — Volume 12 take to read?

About 424 minutes of reading across 1019 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read "My Novel" — Volume 12 section by section

How to work through "My Novel" — Volume 12 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in "My Novel" — Volume 12

Words and structures a reader meets early in "My Novel" — Volume 12, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Necessary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of "My Novel" — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Somewhat
A word that appears in the opening chapter of "My Novel" — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Course
A word that appears in the opening chapter of "My Novel" — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Narrative
A word that appears in the opening chapter of "My Novel" — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.