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The Amethyst Ring
The Amethyst Ring

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Amethyst Ring is here in full — 78 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/15 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.
He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.
M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”
M. Bergeret made no reply.
He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Amethyst Ring

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of The Amethyst Ring is here in full — 78 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/15 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.
Line 2
He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.
Line 3
M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”
Line 4
M. Bergeret made no reply.
Line 5
He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

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.

disciple noun US /dɪˈsaɪpəl/

someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another

From this reading “He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.”

Hercules noun US /ˈhɜːrkjəliːz/

(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality

From this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

models noun US /ˈmɑːdəlz/

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

Roux noun US /ruː/

a mixture of fat and flour heated and used as a basis for sauces

From this reading “He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.”

ruminated verb US /ˈruːmɪneɪtɪd/

past form of “ruminate” — chew the cuds

From this reading “He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.”

scholastic adjective US /skəˈlæstɪk/

of or relating to schools

From this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

stationer noun US /ˈsteɪʃənər/

a merchant who sells writing materials and office supplies

From this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

sundry adjective US /ˈsʌndri/

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

in front preposition + noun

at or in the front

In this reading “He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.”

All words in this reading · 101

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

accompaniedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌmpənid/

having companions or an escort

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

accomplishedadjectiveUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/

highly skilled

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

askedverbUS /æskt/

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

Bergeret

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

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

chooseverbUS /tʃuːz/

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

Courrier

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

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

day'snounUS /deɪz/

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

disciplenounUS /dɪˈsaɪpəl/

someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

drawingnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

examplesnounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəlz/

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

Farnese

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

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

fellverbUS /fel/

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

Fusellier

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

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

Goubin

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

hathauxiliary verbUS /hæθ/

an old form of “has”

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

HerculesnounUS /ˈhɜːrkjəliːz/

(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

labours

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

LouisnounUS /ˈluːɪs/

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

MnounUS /em/

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

MadamenounUS /ˈmædəm/

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading M. Bergeret made no reply.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

MasternounUS /ˈmæstər/

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

modelsnounUS /ˈmɑːdəlz/

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

musclesnounUS /ˈmʌsəlz/

plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading M. Bergeret made no reply.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

others

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

passingnounUS /ˈpæsɪŋ/

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

PaulnounUS /pɔːl/

United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

profitnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

replynounUS /rɪˈplaɪ/

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading M. Bergeret made no reply.

RouxnounUS /ruː/

a mixture of fat and flour heated and used as a basis for sauces

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

ruminatedverbUS /ˈruːmɪneɪtɪd/

past form of “ruminate” — chew the cuds

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

scholasticadjectiveUS /skəˈlæstɪk/

of or relating to schools

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

shopverbUS /ʃɑːp/

do one's shopping

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

showingnounUS /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/

the display of a motion picture

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

stationernounUS /ˈsteɪʃənər/

a merchant who sells writing materials and office supplies

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

stoppingnounUS /ˈstɑːpɪŋ/

fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

strollnounUS /stroʊl/

a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

sundryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

treacherynounUS /ˈtretʃ.ər.i/

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was just then passing the shop of Madame Fusellier, the stationer, and, stopping in front of the window in which sundry drawing models were displayed, he looked with interest at the Farnese Hercules who was showing off his muscles amid these examples of scholastic art.

wonderingadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərɪŋ/

showing curiosity

From this reading He was taking his customary stroll in the town, accompanied by M. Goubin, his favourite disciple since the treachery of M. Roux, and as he ruminated over the work he had accomplished he fell to wondering, like so many others before him, what profit a man hath of all his labours.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading That evening M. Bergeret, having done a hard day’s work, was feeling tired.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading M. Goubin asked: “Master, do you think that Paul Louis Courrier would be a good subject to choose for an essay?”

Chapter 4 of The Amethyst Ring by Anatole France holds 78 sentences, grouped into 16 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 Amethyst Ring contain?

Chapter 4 holds 78 sentences of The Amethyst Ring, unabridged, divided into 16 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Amethyst Ring by Anatole France exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 78 sentences, grouped into 16 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 Amethyst Ring?

Work through the 16 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 16 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 Amethyst Ring

Common questions about reading The Amethyst Ring by Anatole France on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Amethyst Ring?

Yes. All 3224 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #49108 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Amethyst Ring is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #49108, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Amethyst Ring take to read?

About 268 minutes of reading across 645 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Amethyst Ring section by section

How to work through The Amethyst Ring section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 26 chapters of The Amethyst Ring 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 Amethyst Ring

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Amethyst Ring, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Madame
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Amethyst Ring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Bergeret
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Amethyst Ring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Quitted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Amethyst Ring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Conjugal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Amethyst Ring; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.