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The Circular Staircase

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase is here in full — 150 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Mary Roberts Rinehart • Curated US English Learning Edition

Cover illustration for The Circular Staircase

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

Narrator

Speed 0.75x

AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English

LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter X Reading 1/30

The Circular Staircase Mary Roberts Rinehart

Cover illustration for The Circular Staircase

Chapter X

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase is here in full — 150 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday. Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning. The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California. No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity. Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

The Circular Staircase

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase is here in full — 150 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

Line 2

Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

Line 3

The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

Line 4

No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

Line 5

Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

All words in this reading · 70

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

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

a

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

after

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

amount

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

an

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

and

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

Armstrong

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

Armstrongs

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

Arnold

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

aroused

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

arrangements

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

arrived

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

as

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

at

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

BANK

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

be

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

been

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

believe

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

body

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

but

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

California

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

charge

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

circular

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

cousin

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

curiosity

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

dead

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

death

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

deferred

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

enormous

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

everything

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

Fitzhugh

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

foot

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

found

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

from

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

funeral

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

had

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

Halsey's

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

held

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

his

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

I

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

interment

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

manner

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

morning

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

No

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

o'clock

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

of

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

Ogden

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

on

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

one

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

possible

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

quiet

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

return

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

services

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

some

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

sorry

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

staircase

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

Sunday

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

sympathy

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

that

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

THE

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

think

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

three

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

From this reading Arnold Armstrong had been found dead at the foot of the circular staircase at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

to

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

took

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

From this reading Mrs. Ogden Fitzhugh, a cousin, took charge of the arrangements, and everything, I believe, was as quiet as possible.

TRADERS

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

Tuesday

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

until

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

very

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

From this reading No one, I think, was very sorry that Arnold Armstrong was dead, but the manner of his death aroused some sympathy and an enormous amount of curiosity.

was

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

From this reading THE TRADERS’ BANK The morning after Halsey’s return was Tuesday.

were

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

From this reading The funeral services were to be held on Tuesday, and the interment of the body was to be deferred until the Armstrongs arrived from California.

Chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart holds 150 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase contain?

Chapter 10 holds 150 sentences of The Circular Staircase, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 10 of The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 150 sentences, grouped into 30 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 10 of The Circular Staircase?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 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 10 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 10 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 Circular Staircase

Common questions about reading The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Circular Staircase?

Yes. All 4811 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #434 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Circular Staircase is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #434, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Circular Staircase take to read?

About 400 minutes of reading across 963 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Circular Staircase section by section

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

Open a chapter

Choose one of the 34 chapters of The Circular Staircase to begin.
Read one section

Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Circular Staircase

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

Story: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Circular Staircase; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Middle-aged: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Circular Staircase; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Spinster: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Circular Staircase; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Deserted: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Circular Staircase; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.