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The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Age of Innocence is here in full — 167 sentences across 34 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Age of Innocence
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.
"I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."
A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."
She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.
Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."
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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.

The Age of Innocence

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Age of Innocence is here in full — 167 sentences across 34 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/33 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.
Line 2
"I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."
Line 3
A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."
Line 4
She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.
Line 5
Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

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 “She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.”

All words in this reading · 114

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 A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

action

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

added

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

Adeline

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

advance

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

almost

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

always

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

an

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

and

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

any

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

appeared

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

Archer

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

arrogance

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

as

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

ask

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

at

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

attitude

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

be

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

because

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

bell-rope

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

but

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

by

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

Cabinet

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

case

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

come

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

committed

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

congratulate

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

consider

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

considered

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

dear

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

der

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

enjoys

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

enough

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

finished

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

footman

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

friends

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

from

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

gesture

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

gravely

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

habit

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

had

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

hand

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

has

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

have

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

having

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

he

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

hear

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

Henry

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

her

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

herself

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

him

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

however

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

I

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

If

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

importance

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

in

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

kind

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

least

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

led

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

lest

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

life-time

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

like

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

long

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

look

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

Luyden

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

Luyden's

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

me

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

meeting

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

might

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

Minister's

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

Mr

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

Newland

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

newspaper

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

not

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

now

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

of

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

one

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

please

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

Presiding

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

pressing

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

promptness

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

reaching

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

reading

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

relations

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

sacerdotal

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

said

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

seeing

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

seldom

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

she

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

should

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

showed

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

surprised

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

sweetest

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

that

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

the

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

them

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

think

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

thought

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

to

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

told

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

tone

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

toward

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

van

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

what

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

which

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

who

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

From this reading Mrs. van der Luyden, however, who had seldom surprised any one, now surprised them by reaching her long hand toward the bell-rope.

whom

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

From this reading A footman appeared, to whom she gravely added: "If Mr. van der Luyden has finished reading the newspaper, please ask him to be kind enough to come."

wife

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

From this reading She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"--not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.

will

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

wish

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

with

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

From this reading Her promptness of action showed that she considered the case as pressing as Mrs. Archer; but, lest she should be thought to have committed herself in advance, she added, with the sweetest look: "Henry always enjoys seeing you, dear Adeline; and he will wish to congratulate Newland."

you

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

From this reading "I think," she said, "I should like Henry to hear what you have told me."

Chapter 4 of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton holds 167 sentences, grouped into 34 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 4 of The Age of Innocence contain?

Chapter 4 holds 167 sentences of The Age of Innocence, unabridged, divided into 34 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 167 sentences, grouped into 34 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 4 of The Age of Innocence?

Work through the 34 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 34 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 The Age of Innocence

Common questions about reading The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Age of Innocence?

Yes. All 4855 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #541 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Age of Innocence is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #541, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Age of Innocence take to read?

About 404 minutes of reading across 971 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Age of Innocence section by section

How to work through The Age of Innocence section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Age of Innocence 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 The Age of Innocence

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Age of Innocence, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

January
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Evening
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Early
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Seventies
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.