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Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition
Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition

Chapter XXXVIII · The Night Cometh

Chapter XXXVIII of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition, “The Night Cometh,” is here in full — 353 sentences across 71 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/70 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
“How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.
Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.
Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”
And Aunt Leonora was the grandmother of Clara!
Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition

Chapter XXXVIII · The Night Cometh

Chapter XXXVIII of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition, “The Night Cometh,” is here in full — 353 sentences across 71 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/70 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
“How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.
Line 2
Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.
Line 3
Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”
Line 4
And Aunt Leonora was the grandmother of Clara!
Line 5
Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

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.

Astor noun US /ˈæstər/

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

parlors noun US /ˈpɑːrlərz/

plural of “parlor” — reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

proofs noun US /pruːfs/

plural of “proof” — any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading “Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.”

relationship noun US /riˈleɪʃənʃɪp/

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading “Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.”

resemblance noun US /rɪˈzembləns/

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading “Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.”

shroud verb US /ʃraʊd/

cover as if with a shroud

From this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

shuttle verb US /ˈʃʌtəl/

travel back and forth between two points

From this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

weaves noun US /wiːvz/

plural of “weave” — pattern of weaving or structure of a fabric

From this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

principal persons noun + noun counted as “principal person”

In this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

at home preposition + noun

a reception held in your own home

In this reading “Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.””

Some hours adjective + noun

In this reading “Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.”

assembled in verb + particle counted as “assemble in”

In this reading ““How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.”

All words in this reading · 78

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And Aunt Leonora was the grandmother of Clara!

askedverbUS /æskt/

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

AstornounUS /ˈæstər/

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

AuntnounUS /ænt/

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

brieflyadverbUS /ˈbriːfli/

for a short time

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

Charlton's

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

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

Clara

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/

come together

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

exclaimedverbUS /ɪkˈskleɪmd/

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

fliesnounUS /flaɪz/

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

grandmothernounUS /ˈɡrændmʌðər/

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading And Aunt Leonora was the grandmother of Clara!

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

homenounUS /hoʊm/

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

HousenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

How

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

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

InstantlyadverbUS /ˈɪnstəntli/

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

introducedverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːst/

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

Leonora

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

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

librarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/

a room where books are kept

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

nearestadverbUS /ˈnɪrəst/

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

Netty

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

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

parlorsnounUS /ˈpɑːrlərz/

plural of “parlor” — reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

Pompilards

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

portraitnounUS /ˈpɔːrtrət/

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

presentedverbUS /priˈzentɪd/

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

principalnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

proofsnounUS /pruːfs/

plural of “proof” — any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

relationshipnounUS /riˈleɪʃənʃɪp/

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

resemblancenounUS /rɪˈzembləns/

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

shroudverbUS /ʃraʊd/

cover as if with a shroud

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

shuttleverbUS /ˈʃʌtəl/

travel back and forth between two points

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

swiftadjectiveUS /swɪft/

moving very fast

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

tellingadjectiveUS /ˈtelɪŋ/

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Vance then briefly presented his proofs of the relationship.

thydeterminerUS /ðaɪ/

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

tracenounUS /treɪs/

a just detectable amount

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

Vance

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

From this reading Some hours previously, Vance had introduced Clara to her nearest relatives, the Pompilards; but before telling them her true name he had asked them to trace a resemblance.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And Aunt Leonora was the grandmother of Clara!

weavesnounUS /wiːvz/

plural of “weave” — pattern of weaving or structure of a fabric

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

WhynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Instantly Netty had exclaimed: “Why, mother, it is the face you have at home in the portrait of Aunt Leonora.”

YoungadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “How swift the shuttle flies that weaves thy shroud!”—_Young._ On the evening of the day of the encounter in Charlton’s library, some of the principal persons of our story were assembled in one of the private parlors of the Astor House in New York.

Chapter 38 of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition by Epes Sargent holds 353 sentences, grouped into 71 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 38 of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition contain?

Chapter 38 holds 353 sentences of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition, unabridged, divided into 71 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 38 of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition by Epes Sargent exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 353 sentences, grouped into 71 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 38 of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition?

Work through the 71 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 71 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 38 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 38 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 Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition

Common questions about reading Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition by Epes Sargent on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition?

Yes. All 12265 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #67872 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #67872, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2453 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition section by section

How to work through Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition to begin.

  2. Read one section

    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 Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition

Words and structures a reader meets early in Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Version
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cannot
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Represent
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Certain
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.