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Silas Marner
Silas Marner

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of Silas Marner is here in full — 107 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Silas Marner
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.
Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chanceperhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.
Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.
The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.
The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.
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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.

Silas Marner

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of Silas Marner is here in full — 107 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.
Line 2
Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chanceperhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.
Line 3
Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.
Line 4
The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.
Line 5
The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.”

All words in this reading · 119

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

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

a

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

about

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

afternoon

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

against

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

all

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

always

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

and

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

another

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

at

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

away

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Batherley

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

behaviour

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

brother

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

but

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

by

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

Cass

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

chance

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

close

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

come

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

concern

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

conduct

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

direction

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

disclosed

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

discussing

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

distinguishing

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Dunsey

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

Dunstan's

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

else

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

every

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

exasperation

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

excited

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

feel

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

flint

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

foggy

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

foot-marks

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

for

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

from

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

full

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

gathering

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

give

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

Godfrey

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

Godfrey's

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

had

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

half

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

he

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

her

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

him

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

himself

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

his

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

home

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

housing

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

if

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

in

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

investigation

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

it

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

kept

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

Lammeter's

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

learn

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

leaving

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

like

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

likely

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

Lion

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

looks

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

lot

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

midnight

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

morning

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

Mrs

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

much

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

mud

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Nancy

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

neighbourhood

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

news

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

next

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

night

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

not

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

occupied

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

of

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

on

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

one

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

opposite

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

or

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

Osgood's

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

party

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

Perhaps

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

possibility

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

preferred

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

probabilities

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

produced

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

rain

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Red

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

returned

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

robbery

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

run

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

sight

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

sold

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

spot

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

steel

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Stone-pits

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

story

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

sunk

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

surprised

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

suspense

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

that

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

the

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

thought

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

tinder-box

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

to

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

too

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

village

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

visiting

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

waiting

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

was

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

washed

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

When

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

From this reading When Godfrey Cass returned from Mrs. Osgood’s party at midnight, he was not much surprised to learn that Dunsey had not come home.

which

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

From this reading Godfrey’s mind was too full of Nancy Lammeter’s looks and behaviour, too full of the exasperation against himself and his lot, which the sight of her always produced in him, for him to give much thought to Wildfire, or to the probabilities of Dunstan’s conduct.

whole

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

From this reading The next morning the whole village was excited by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like every one else, was occupied in gathering and discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-pits.

Wildfire

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

From this reading Perhaps he had not sold Wildfire, and was waiting for another chance—perhaps, on that foggy afternoon, he had preferred housing himself at the Red Lion at Batherley for the night, if the run had kept him in that neighbourhood; for he was not likely to feel much concern about leaving his brother in suspense.

with

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

From this reading The rain had washed away all possibility of distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel, half sunk in the mud.

Chapter 8 of Silas Marner by George Eliot holds 107 sentences, grouped into 22 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 8 of Silas Marner contain?

Chapter 8 holds 107 sentences of Silas Marner, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of Silas Marner by George Eliot exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 107 sentences, grouped into 22 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 8 of Silas Marner?

Work through the 22 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 22 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 8 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Silas Marner

Common questions about reading Silas Marner by George Eliot on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Silas Marner?

Yes. All 2502 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #550 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Silas Marner is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #550, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Silas Marner take to read?

About 208 minutes of reading across 501 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Silas Marner section by section

How to work through Silas Marner section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of Silas Marner to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Silas Marner

Words and structures a reader meets early in Silas Marner, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Spinning-wheels
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Silas Marner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hummed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Silas Marner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Busily
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Silas Marner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Farmhouses
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Silas Marner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.