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Old Mortality, Volume 2.
Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2. is here in full — 68 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Old Mortality, Volume 2.
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.
Richard II.
The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.
"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.
In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2. is here in full — 68 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.
Line 2
Richard II.
Line 3
The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.
Line 4
"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.
Line 5
In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

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.

aired adjective US /erd/

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading “"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.”

dusted verb US /ˈdʌstɪd/

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading “"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.”

festivals noun US /ˈfestəvəlz/

plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading “"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.”

invariable adjective US /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/

not liable to or capable of change

From this reading “"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.”

Richard's noun US /ˈrɪtʃərdz/

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading “Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.”

Rutland noun US /ˈrʌtlənd/

a town in central Vermont

From this reading “Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.”

sifting noun US /ˈsɪftɪŋ/

the act of separating grain from chaff

From this reading “"It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.”

Wilson's noun US /ˈwɪlsənz/

possessive form of “wilson” — author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading “The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.”

All words in this reading · 117

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.

accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

airedadjectiveUS /erd/

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

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 In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

apartmentnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənt/

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

Aumerle

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

ci-devant

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

comfits

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

compoundnounUS /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

conservesnoun

fruit preserved by cooking with sugar

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/

without stop or interruption

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

dangerousadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

dustedverbUS /ˈdʌstɪd/

past form of “dust” — remove the dust from

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

else

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

explanationnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃən/

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

festivalsnounUS /ˈfestəvəlz/

plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/

in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

friendnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/

destroyed or killed

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

hallnounUS /hɔːl/

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

hastilyadverbUS /ˈheɪstəli/

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnəst/

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

housekeepernounUS /ˈhaʊskiːpər/

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

IInoun

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Richard II.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

invariableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/

not liable to or capable of change

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

kitchennounUS /ˈkɪtʃən/

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

madamnounUS /ˈmædəm/

a woman of refinement

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

mattedadjective

tangled in a dense mass

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/

being nothing more than specified

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

Milnwood's

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

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

oaknounUS /oʊk/

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/

held or filled or in use

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

parlournounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

partook

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

pickle-pots

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

practicenounUS /ˈpræktəs/

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

regularlyadverbUS /ˈreɡjələrli/

in a regular manner

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

removedadjectiveUS /riˈmuːvd/

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

retainverbUS /rɪˈteɪn/

hold back within

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

rheumatisms

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

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

Richard

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

From this reading Richard II.

Richard'snounUS /ˈrɪtʃərdz/

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

RutlandnounUS /ˈrʌtlənd/

a town in central Vermont

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

sadadjectiveUS /sæd/

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

securedverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrd/

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

settledadjectiveUS /ˈsetəld/

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

siftingnounUS /ˈsɪftɪŋ/

the act of separating grain from chaff

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/

confined on all sides

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

washedadjectiveUS /wɑːʃt/

clean by virtue of having been washed in water

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading In the matted room, therefore, they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the comfits which she so regularly prepared.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

Wilson'snounUS /ˈwɪlsənz/

possessive form of “wilson” — author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as housekeeper, and which she continued to retain.

windsnounUS /wɪndz/

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading "It was," she said, "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, unless upon their most solemn festivals.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Aumerle that was, But that is gone for being Richard's friend; And, madam, you must call him Rutland now.

Chapter 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2. by Walter Scott holds 68 sentences, grouped into 14 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 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2. contain?

Chapter 20 holds 68 sentences of Old Mortality, Volume 2., unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2. by Walter Scott exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 68 sentences, grouped into 14 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 20 of Old Mortality, Volume 2.?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 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 20 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 20 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 Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Common questions about reading Old Mortality, Volume 2. by Walter Scott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Old Mortality, Volume 2.?

Yes. All 3105 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #6940 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Old Mortality, Volume 2. is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #6940, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Old Mortality, Volume 2. take to read?

About 258 minutes of reading across 621 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Old Mortality, Volume 2. section by section

How to work through Old Mortality, Volume 2. section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of Old Mortality, Volume 2. to begin.

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    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Words and structures a reader meets early in Old Mortality, Volume 2., each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Grecian
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Old Mortality, Volume 2.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Tents
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Old Mortality, Volume 2.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stand
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Old Mortality, Volume 2.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hollow
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Old Mortality, Volume 2.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.