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 Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
abroad
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From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
absurd
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
active-minded
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From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
affected
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From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
age
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
almost
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
amusement
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From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
bishops
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From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
certain
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From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
chancellors
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From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
characteristics
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
classes
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
compromise
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From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
contrast
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
dandies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
dissipation
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
droll
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From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
eager
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From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
eccentric
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From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
extended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
frivolity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
gratification
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From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
grave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
highly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
influence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
inquiry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
knowledge
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From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
literature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
lord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
made
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From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
merely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
mingling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
mixture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
NevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
ONEpronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
paid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
paradoxical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
pervades
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From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
philosophers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
politics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
pride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
prized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
produce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
pursuit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
rank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
reckless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
relaxation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
scenes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
sensual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
seriousness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
singular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
sought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
spirit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
station
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
striking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
well-to-do
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
