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The Country of the Pointed Firs
The Country of the Pointed Firs

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs is here in full — 158 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Country of the Pointed Firs
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.
She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.
I never see such a mouser for one of her age.
If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.
I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.
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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 Country of the Pointed Firs

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs is here in full — 158 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.
Line 2
She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.
Line 3
I never see such a mouser for one of her age.
Line 4
If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.
Line 5
I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

All words in this reading · 68

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 “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

account

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

advisable

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

after

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

age

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

all

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

Almiry

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

always

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

an

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

bob

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

business

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

but

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

by

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

cats

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

curiosities

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

deem

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

don't

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

dronin

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

for

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

good

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

had

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

have

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

havin

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

he

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

her

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

housed

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

I

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

If't

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

it

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

just

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

like

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

likely

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

long

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

look

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

m

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

maintain

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

me

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

mother

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

mouser

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

never

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

of

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

old

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

on

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

one

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

other

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

right

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

said

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

see

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

sets

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

She

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

she's

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

should

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

so

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

such

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

From this reading I never see such a mouser for one of her age.

tail

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

tails

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

that

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

That's

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

the

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

From this reading “That's the one, Almiry,” said her mother.

their

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

them

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

they're

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

thing

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

to

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

From this reading “She always had a likely look to me, an' she's right after business.

twice

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

wan't

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

wants

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

From this reading I don't deem it advisable to maintain cats just on account of their havin' bob tails; they're like all other curiosities, good for them that wants to see 'm twice.

William

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

From this reading If't wan't for William, I never should have housed that other dronin' old thing so long; but he sets by her on account of her havin' a bob tail.

Chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett holds 158 sentences, grouped into 32 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs contain?

Chapter 4 holds 158 sentences of The Country of the Pointed Firs, unabridged, divided into 32 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 158 sentences, grouped into 32 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 4 of The Country of the Pointed Firs?

Work through the 32 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 32 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Country of the Pointed Firs

Common questions about reading The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Country of the Pointed Firs?

Yes. All 1897 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #367 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Country of the Pointed Firs is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #367, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Country of the Pointed Firs take to read?

About 158 minutes of reading across 380 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Country of the Pointed Firs section by section

How to work through The Country of the Pointed Firs section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 12 chapters of The Country of the Pointed Firs 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 Country of the Pointed Firs

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Country of the Pointed Firs, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Sarah
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Country of the Pointed Firs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Jewett
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Country of the Pointed Firs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
South
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Country of the Pointed Firs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Berwick
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Country of the Pointed Firs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.