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Ranching for Sylvia
Ranching for Sylvia

Chapter XXVII

Cover illustration for Ranching for Sylvia
Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.
The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.
She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.
He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.
Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.
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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.

Ranching for Sylvia

Chapter XXVII

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.
Line 2
The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.
Line 3
She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.
Line 4
He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.
Line 5
Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

Learner Dictionary

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

Current noun US /ˈcurrent/

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

From this reading “He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.”

Hear noun US /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.”

Outside noun US /ˈoutside/

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

From this reading “The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.”

Rational adjective US /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/

Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.

From this reading “He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.”

All words in this reading · 125

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 The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

annoyance

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

any

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

approaching

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

approval

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

arms

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

attention

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

attractive

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

becoming

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

big

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

boards

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

book

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

Butte

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

claim

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

companion

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

displayed

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

door

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

drawl

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

dress

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

dusty

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

Edgar

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

elbow

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

engrossed

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

evening

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

expressing

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

eyes

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

fashions

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

father's

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

filled

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

flashed

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

Flett

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

footsteps

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

four

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

front

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

girl

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

glance

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

hearnounUS /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

hot

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

Indeed

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

ivory

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

lay

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

LEADING

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

light

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

like

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

listening

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

looking

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

Miss

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

neck

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

news

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

occasional

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

office

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

opened

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

outsidenounUS /ˈoutside/

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

particularly

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

patter

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

people

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

pine

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

polished

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

pretty

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

quietly

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/

Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

remarkably

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

resinous

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

room

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

round

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

Sage

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

said

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

sat

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

skins

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

smell

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

smile

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

some

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

store

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

subject

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

summer

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

swung

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

table

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

talking

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

Taunton

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

there

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

Three

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

uncovered

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

unpleasantly

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

voices

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

warning

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

From this reading Indeed, he was so engrossed in his subject that he did not hear footsteps approaching until his companion flashed a warning glance at him; and he swung round with some annoyance as the door opened.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

weeks

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading He was expressing his approval of the current fashions, which he said were rational and particularly becoming to people with skins like ivory.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

whiteness

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

From this reading She was listening to Edgar with a smile in her eyes, and looking, so he thought, remarkably attractive in her light summer dress which left her pretty, round arms uncovered to the elbow and displayed the polished whiteness of her neck.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The little, dusty room was unpleasantly hot and filled with the smell of resinous pine boards; there was a drawl of voices and an occasional patter of footsteps outside the door; and a big book, which seemed to have no claim on her attention, lay open on the table in front of the girl.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.

WITNESS

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

From this reading THE LEADING WITNESS Three or four weeks passed quietly without any news from Flett until one evening when Edgar sat talking to Miss Taunton in the office of her father's store at Sage Butte.