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Ombra
Ombra

Chapter XXXIX

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Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.
Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.
She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.
His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.
She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Ombra

Chapter XXXIX

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.
Line 2
Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.
Line 3
She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.
Line 4
His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.
Line 5
She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

Learner Dictionary

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

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?”

Different noun US /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.”

Disappeared noun US /ˈdisappeared/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?”

Equally noun US /ˈequally/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.”

Excited adjective US /ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/

very enthusiastic or eager

From this reading “She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.”

Expect verb US /ɪkˈspekt/

to think that something will happen

From this reading “It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.”

Mysterious adjective US /mɪˈstɪriəs/

difficult to explain or understand

From this reading “His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.”

Remember verb US /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading “She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.”

Sudden noun US /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.”

Undertaking noun US /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading “Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.”

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 It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

accidents

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

aid

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

all

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

amused

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

anxiety

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

any

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

appear

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

ascertained

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

attended

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

care

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

chilled

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

chosen

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

comfort

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

comprehend

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

confused

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

convey

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

cousin

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

dinner-party

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

disappearance

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

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

disturbed

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

easy

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

entered

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

equallynounUS /ˈequally/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/

very enthusiastic or eager

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/

to think that something will happen

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

find

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

fragmentary

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

full

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

give

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

gratification

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

hard

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

house

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

information

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

Kate

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

labours

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

matter

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

midst

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

moment

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

Mr

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/

difficult to explain or understand

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

news

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

noiseless

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

occurred

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

oppressed

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

people

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

personal

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

pleasure

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

private

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

real

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

regards

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

saw

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

social

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

Spigot

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

strange

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

suddennounUS /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

sufficiently

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

Sugden's

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

telegram

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

too

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

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

undertakingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

wants

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

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

way

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading His appearance, and disappearance too, were equally sudden and mysterious.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading She had been so excited and confused at the moment, that it had not occurred to her to remember that Mr. Sugden’s information was quite fragmentary, and that he did not tell her where to find her cousin, or give her any real aid in the matter.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

why

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

From this reading She ascertained from Spigot when he had come, and it was sufficiently easy to comprehend the noiseless way he had chosen to appear before her, and convey his news; but why had he disappeared when he saw the telegram?

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is hard to be oppressed with private anxiety and care in the midst of a great house full of people, who expect to be amused, and to have all their different wants attended to, both as regards personal comfort and social gratification.

zeal

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

From this reading Kate had entered upon the undertaking with great zeal and pleasure, but had been suddenly chilled in the midst of her labours by the strange accidents which disturbed her first dinner-party.