Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Nature's Serial Story
Nature's Serial Story

Chapter XVI

Cover illustration for Nature's Serial Story
Context Illustration Reading 1/36 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.
All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.
During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.
Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.
The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Nature's Serial Story

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/36 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.
Line 2
All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.
Line 3
During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.
Line 4
Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.
Line 5
The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.”

Impulse noun US /ˈɪmpʌls/

a sudden strong desire to act

From this reading “Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.”

All words in this reading · 111

Every word is available to listen to. 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 During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

accumulated

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

acknowledged

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

activity

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

Alf

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

all

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

also

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

alternations

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

APRIL

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

attention

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

away

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

barn

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

became

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

betokened

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

cackled

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

cackling

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

call

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

chief

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

clamor

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

clatter

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

commonplace

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

compass

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

cunningly

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

days

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

developed

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

egg

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

eggs

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

event

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

extent

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

farmhouse

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

feathered

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

felt

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

forbidding

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

frowns

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

gathering

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

greater

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

half-smilingly

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

hens

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

hours

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

hunting

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpʌls/

a sudden strong desire to act

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

inclined

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

increasing

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

Johnnie

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

knew

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

like

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

March

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

mines

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

mood

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

more

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

most

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

music

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

Nature

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

nests

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

new-born

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

often

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

out-buildings

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

perfect

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

Possibly

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

prospecting

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

quickly

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

rain

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

remainder

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

revenue

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

sights

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

sillily

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

sleet

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

snow

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

sounds

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

From this reading All sights and sounds about the farmhouse betokened increasing activity.

sources

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

spite

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

spring-time

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

stolen

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

tears

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

tempestuous

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

there

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading During the morning hours the cackling in the barn and out-buildings developed into a perfect clamor, for the more commonplace the event of a new-born egg became, the greater attention the hens inclined to call to it.

treasures

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

tribes

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

truth

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

use

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

voice

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

From this reading Possibly they also felt the spring-time impulse of all the feathered tribes to use their voice to the extent of its compass.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The clatter was music to Alf and Johnnie, however, for gathering the eggs was one of their chief sources of revenue, and the hunting of nests--stolen so cunningly and cackled over so sillily--with their accumulated treasures was like prospecting for mines.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.

yielded

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

From this reading APRIL The remainder of March passed quickly away, with more alternations of mood than there were days; but in spite of snow, sleet, wind, and rain, the most forbidding frowns and tempestuous tears, all knew that Nature had yielded, and more often she half-smilingly acknowledged the truth herself.