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The Bronze Bell
The Bronze Bell

Chapter I

Cover illustration for The Bronze Bell
Context Illustration Reading 1/40 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.
His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.
On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.
Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.
This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.
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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 Bronze Bell

Chapter I

Reading 1/40 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.
Line 2
His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.
Line 3
On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.
Line 4
Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.
Line 5
This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

Learner Dictionary

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

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.”

Handsome noun US /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading “His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.”

All words in this reading · 117

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

admirably

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

all

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

amusement

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

apart

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

astonishment

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

Aware

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

beautiful

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

blended

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

brown

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

chose

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

colourful

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

commonly

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

creamy

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

curiously

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

dancing

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

decided

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

delicate

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

depths

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

eyes

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

faced

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

faint

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

fancy

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

furthermore

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

gaze

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

girl's

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

glimmer

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

goes

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

gold

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

hair

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

harmonious

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

humour

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

imitate

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

interest

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

interwoven

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

irides

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

large

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

lightened

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

loath

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

meet

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

mischievous

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

noted

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

own

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

owner

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

perverse

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

pretty

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

pupils

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

quickly

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

rather

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

raw

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

really

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

red

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

rich

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

round

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

ruddy

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

see

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

seem

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

sepia

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

serious

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

set

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

shade

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

sheen

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

silken

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

simple

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

sincere

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

skin

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

straightforward

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

strands

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

strove

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

study

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

sweet

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

termed

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This girl's hair was really brown, a rich sepia interwoven with strands of raw, ruddy gold, admirably harmonious with her eyes.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

uncommonly

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

unjustly

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

vainly

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

From this reading In his astonishment he looked round quickly to meet the gaze of mischievous eyes that strove vainly to seem simple and sincere.

very

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

well

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

whiteness

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

whole

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.

woman

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

From this reading Aware that he faced an uncommonly pretty woman, who chose to study him with a straightforward interest he was nothing loath to imitate, he took time to see that she was very fair of skin, with that creamy, silken whiteness that goes with hair of the shade commonly and unjustly termed red.

womanly

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

From this reading On the whole he decided that they were even beautiful, for all the dancing glimmer of perverse humour in their depths; he could fancy that they might well seem very sweet and womanly when their owner chose to be serious.

wonder

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

From this reading His own, in which amusement was blended with wonder, noted that they were very handsome eyes and rather curiously colourful, the delicate sepia shade of the pupils being lightened by a faint sheen of gold in the irides; they were, furthermore, large and set well apart.