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The Art of Amusing
The Art of Amusing

Chapter XXVII

Chapter 27 of The Art of Amusing is here in full — 32 sentences across 7 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/6 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.
It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.
The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.
We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.
This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Art of Amusing

Chapter XXVII

Chapter 27 of The Art of Amusing is here in full — 32 sentences across 7 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/6 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.
/ə ˈsɜːrtən jʌŋ ˈleɪdi wɪð huːm wiː ɑːr əˈkweɪntɪd hæz dɪˈskʌvərd ə nuː ɑːrt wɪtʃ siːmz tuː əbˈzɔːrb ə ɡreɪt ˈpɔːrʃən ʌv hɜːr ˈbiːɪŋ/
Line 2
It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.
Line 3
The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.
Line 4
We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.
Line 5
This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

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.

absorb verb US /əbˈzɔːrb/

become imbued

From this reading “A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.”

fickleness noun US /ˈfɪkəlnəs/

unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous

From this reading “This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.”

fitness noun US /ˈfɪtnəs/

the quality of being suitable

From this reading “We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.”

grotto noun US /ˈɡrɑːtoʊ/

a small cave (usually with attractive features)

From this reading “The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.”

oyster noun US /ˈɔɪstər/

marine mollusks having a rough irregular shell; found on the sea bed mostly in coastal waters

From this reading “We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.”

pickerel noun US /ˈpɪkərəl/

flesh of young or small pike

From this reading “This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.”

shrimp noun US /ʃrɪmp/

disparaging terms for small people

From this reading “This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.”

Triton noun US /ˈtraɪtən/

(Greek mythology) a sea god; son of Poseidon

From this reading “We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.”

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.

young lady adjective + noun

a young female

In this reading “A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.”

converted into verb + particle counted as “convert into”

In this reading “The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.”

in order preposition + noun

in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement

In this reading “We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.”

other day adjective + noun

In this reading “We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.”

All words in this reading · 94

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 A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

absolutelyadverbUS /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

absorbverbUS /əbˈzɔːrb/

become imbued

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

acceptingadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪŋ/

tolerating without protest

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

acquaintedadjectiveUS /əˈkweɪntɪd/

having fair knowledge of

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

alasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

aviditynoun

a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

changedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

consequencenounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəns/

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

convertedverbUS /kənˈvɜːrtɪd/

past form of “convert” — change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

coralnounUS /ˈkɔːrəl/

a variable color averaging a deep pink

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

damselnounUS /ˈdæmzəl/

a young unmarried woman

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

declinedverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnd/

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

Delmonico's

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

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

discoverynounUS /dɪˈskʌvəri/

the act of discovering something

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

dwellsverbUS /dwelz/

third-person singular of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

English-basement

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

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

extentnounUS /ɪkˈstent/

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

ficklenessnounUS /ˈfɪkəlnəs/

unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

fitnessnounUS /ˈfɪtnəs/

the quality of being suitable

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

grottonounUS /ˈɡrɑːtoʊ/

a small cave (usually with attractive features)

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

hintnounUS /hɪnt/

an indirect suggestion

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

intimatedverbUS /ˈɪntəmeɪtɪd/

past form of “intimate” — give to understand

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

inviteverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪt/

increase the likelihood of

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

ladynounUS /ˈleɪdi/

a polite name for any woman

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

maidnounUS /meɪd/

a female domestic

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

marineadjectiveUS /mərˈiːn/

of or relating to the sea

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

mermaid's

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

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

methodnounUS /ˈmeθəd/

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

oysternounUS /ˈɔɪstər/

marine mollusks having a rough irregular shell; found on the sea bed mostly in coastal waters

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

perfectadjectiveUS /pərˈfekt/

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

pickerelnounUS /ˈpɪkərəl/

flesh of young or small pike

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

portionnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃən/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/

keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

shrimpnounUS /ʃrɪmp/

disparaging terms for small people

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

suppernounUS /ˈsʌpər/

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The consequence of this discovery is that the English-basement house in which the maid in question dwells, is converted into a perfect mermaid's grotto.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

transmuted

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

From this reading It is a method by which almost anything may be transmuted into coral.

TritonnounUS /ˈtraɪtən/

(Greek mythology) a sea god; son of Poseidon

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We told her so the other day, since which she has called us her Triton; and further intimated that in order to preserve the fitness of things, we might invite her to an oyster supper at Delmonico's.

visionsnounUS /ˈvɪʒənz/

plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading This hint we took with the avidity of a pickerel; but alas for the fickleness of woman, and our visions of marine happiness, the damsel changed her position and absolutely declined accepting our hospitality, even to the extent of a shrimp.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading A certain young lady with whom we are acquainted has discovered a new art, which seems to absorb a great portion of her being.

Chapter 27 of The Art of Amusing by Frank Bellew holds 32 sentences, grouped into 7 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 27 of The Art of Amusing contain?

Chapter 27 holds 32 sentences of The Art of Amusing, unabridged, divided into 7 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 27 of The Art of Amusing by Frank Bellew exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 32 sentences, grouped into 7 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 27 of The Art of Amusing?

Work through the 7 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 7 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 27 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 27 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 Art of Amusing

Common questions about reading The Art of Amusing by Frank Bellew on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Art of Amusing?

Yes. All 2235 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #40309 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Art of Amusing is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #40309, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Art of Amusing take to read?

About 186 minutes of reading across 447 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Art of Amusing section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 27 chapters of The Art of Amusing 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 Art of Amusing

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

Three
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Art of Amusing; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Valuable
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Art of Amusing; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Books
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Art of Amusing; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Beautifully
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Art of Amusing; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.