Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Romola
Romola

Chapter XXIII · An Arresting Voice

Cover illustration for Romola
Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.
For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.
Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”
She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.
She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Romola

Chapter XXIII · An Arresting Voice

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.
Line 2
For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.
Line 3
Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”
Line 4
She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.
Line 5
She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

Learner Dictionary

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

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.”

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

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

From this reading “Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.””

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.”

All words in this reading · 106

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 When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

accustomed

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

all

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

awe

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

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

Bardi

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

calm

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

close

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

conspired

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

cypress

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

de

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

dip

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

distance

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

down

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

earth

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

escape

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

farther

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

felt

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

freedom

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

give

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

ground

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

gulf

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

hour

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

human

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

husband

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

interposing

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

inwardly

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

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

knew

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

law

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

making

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

Melema

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

more

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

mountains

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

once

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

opposite

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

presence

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

rebelling

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

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

riding

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

roadside

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

Romola

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

round

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

said

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

sat

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

sense

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

shaken

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

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

Siena

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

sky

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

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

solitude

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

sombre

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

stillness

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

stone

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

streets

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

SuddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

things

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

Tito

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

turn

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

up

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

vibrated

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

From this reading She knew the voice: it had vibrated through her more than once before; and because she knew it, she did not turn round or look up.

voice

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

walls

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

way

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

widening

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

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

wife

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

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading For the first time in her life she felt alone in the presence of the earth and sky, with no human presence interposing and making a law for her.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading When Romola sat down on the stone under the cypress, all things conspired to give her the sense of freedom and solitude: her escape from the accustomed walls and streets; the widening distance from her husband, who was by this time riding towards Siena, while every hour would take her farther on the opposite way; the morning stillness; the great dip of ground on the roadside making a gulf between her and the sombre calm of the mountains.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading She sat shaken by awe, and yet inwardly rebelling against the awe.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Suddenly a voice close to her said— “You are Romola de’ Bardi, the wife of Tito Melema.”