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Ruth
Ruth

Chapter I

Cover illustration for Ruth
Context Illustration Reading 1/66 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.
Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.
"Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.
"Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.
"Oh! indeed.
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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.

Ruth

Chapter I

Reading 1/66 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.
Line 2
Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.
Line 3
"Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.
Line 4
"Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.
Line 5
"Oh! indeed.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “"Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.”

Answered noun US /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading “"Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading “In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.”

Worn verb US /wɔːrn/

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading “"Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.”

All words in this reading · 83

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 Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

answerednounUS /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading "Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

best

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

black

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

chickens

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

close

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

clucking

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

collected

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

due

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

eager

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

evening

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

evening's

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

far

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

frock

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

half-dissatisfied

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

hen

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

Hilton

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

hurried

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

important

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

indeed

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

From this reading "Oh! indeed.

inspection

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

investigation

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

Isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

judge

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

ladies

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

ma'am

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

From this reading "Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.

maids

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

manner

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

Mason

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

Miss

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

more

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

Mrs

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

Oh

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

From this reading "Oh! indeed.

only

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

performance

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

proceeding

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

quietly

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

From this reading "Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.

Ruth

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

shabby

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

shire-hall

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

silk

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

somewhat

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

summoning

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

Sunday

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

temporary

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

together

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

tone

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

turning

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

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

undergo

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

unlike

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Her eager, important, hurried manner of summoning them was not unlike that of a hen clucking her chickens together; and to judge from the close investigation they had to undergo, it might have been thought that their part in the evening's performance was to be far more important than that of temporary ladies'-maids.

wornverbUS /wɔːrn/

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.

Yes

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

From this reading "Yes, ma'am," answered Ruth, quietly.

young

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

From this reading In due time that evening, Mrs Mason collected "her young ladies" for an inspection of their appearance before proceeding to the shire-hall.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Is that your best frock, Miss Hilton?" asked Mrs Mason, in a half-dissatisfied tone, turning Ruth about; for it was only her Sunday black silk, and was somewhat worn and shabby.