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The Dead Secret: A Novel
The Dead Secret: A Novel

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel is here in full — 7 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Wilkie Collins • Curated US English Learning Edition
Cover illustration for The Dead Secret: A Novel
Context Illustration Reading 1/1 · 7 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 7
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.
On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."
A Novel.
"THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.
_WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.
_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
THE DEAD SECRET.
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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 Dead Secret: A Novel

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel is here in full — 7 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/1 · 7 reading units · Lines 1–7

Line 1
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.
/aɪˈtælɪk tekst ɪz dɪˈnoʊtəd baɪ ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz ənd boʊld tekst baɪ ˈiːkwəl saɪnz/
Line 2
On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."
Line 3
A Novel.
/ə ˈnɑːvəl/
Line 4
"THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.
/ðə ˈwʊmən ɪn waɪt puːr mɪs fɪntʃ noʊ neɪm mæn ənd waɪf ðə ˈmuːnstoʊn siː/
Line 5
_WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.
Line 6
_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Line 7
THE DEAD SECRET.
/ðə ded ˈsiː.krət/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

collins's noun US /ˈkɑːlɪnzɪz/

possessive form of “collins” — English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)

From this reading “_WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
denoted verb US /dɪˈnoʊtəd/

past form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading “Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
finch noun US /fɪntʃ/

any of numerous small songbirds with short stout bills adapted for crushing seeds

From this reading “"THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Italic noun US /aɪˈtælɪk/

a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right

From this reading “Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Librarian noun US /laɪˈbreriːən/

a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services

From this reading “_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
magdalen noun US /ˈmæɡdələn/

a reformed prostitute

From this reading “_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
moonstone noun US /ˈmuːnstoʊn/

a transparent or translucent gemstone with a pearly luster; some specimens are orthoclase feldspar and others are plagioclase feldspar

From this reading “"THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
underscores noun US /ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz/

plural of “underscore” — a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

per Volume preposition + noun

In this reading “_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.”

1,117 times in 426,211 chapters
Act of verb + particle

In this reading “_12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.”

28,018 times in 426,211 chapters

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.

1

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Pending verification
12

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Pending verification
1873

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Pending verification
202

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

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Pending verification
50

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Pending verification
adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
ActverbUS /ækt/

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
ARMADALE

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Pending verification
atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
BASILnounUS /ˈbæzəl/

any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
boldadjectiveUS /boʊld/

fearless and daring

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
BROTHERSnounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
cnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
changedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
ClothnounUS /klɔːθ/

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
COLLINS'SnounUS /ˈkɑːlɪnzɪz/

possessive form of “collins” — English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)

From this reading _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
CongressnounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəs/

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
DEADadjectiveUS /ded/

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
denotedverbUS /dɪˈnoʊtəd/

past form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
EnteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
equalverbUS /ˈiːkwəl/

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
FINCHnounUS /fɪntʃ/

any of numerous small songbirds with short stout bills adapted for crushing seeds

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
HARPERnounUS /ˈhɑːrpər/

someone who plays the harp

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
HEARTSnounUS /hɑːrts/

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
HIDE-AND-SEEKnoun

a game in which a child covers his eyes while the other players hide then tries to find them

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
ILLUSTRATIONSnounUS /ˌɪləˈstreɪʃənz/

plural of “illustration” — artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
ItalicnounUS /aɪˈtælɪk/

a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
JohnnounUS /dʒɑːn/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
JosephnounUS /ˈdʒoʊsəf/

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
LibrariannounUS /laɪˈbreriːən/

a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MAGDALENnounUS /ˈmæɡdələn/

a reformed prostitute

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MANnounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MISSverbUS /mɪs/

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
monounUS /moʊ/

an indefinitely short time

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MOONSTONEnounUS /ˈmuːnstoʊn/

a transparent or translucent gemstone with a pearly luster; some specimens are orthoclase feldspar and others are plagioclase feldspar

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
NAMEverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
NEWadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
NOdeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
NovelnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading A Novel.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
NOVELSnounUS /ˈnɑːvəlz/

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
OfficenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
pagenounUS /peɪdʒ/

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
perprepositionUS /pɜːr/

for each

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
POORadjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
QUEENnounUS /kwiːn/

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
SECRETnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Velmora curated lexicon
signsnounUS /saɪnz/

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
textnounUS /tekst/

the words of something written

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
UnclenounUS /ˈʌŋkəl/

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading On page 202, a reference to "Uncle John" has been changed to "Uncle Joseph."

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
underscoresnounUS /ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz/

plural of “underscore” — a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)

From this reading Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
VolumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
WashingtonnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋtən/

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
WHITEnounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
WIFEnounUS /waɪf/

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
WILKIE

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

From this reading _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.

Pending verification
WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS._ WILKIE COLLINS'S NOVELS.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
WOMANnounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "THE WOMAN IN WHITE," "POOR MISS FINCH," "NO NAME," "MAN AND WIFE," "THE MOONSTONE," &c.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading _12mo, Cloth, $1 50 per Volume._ _ARMADALE._ _BASIL._ _HIDE-AND-SEEK._ _THE NEW MAGDALEN._ _NO NAME._ _MAN AND WIFE._ _POOR MISS FINCH._ _THE MOONSTONE._ _THE WOMAN IN WHITE._ _THE DEAD SECRET._ _QUEEN OF HEARTS._ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

Chapter 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel by Wilkie Collins holds 7 sentences, grouped into 2 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel contain?

Chapter 1 holds 7 sentences of The Dead Secret: A Novel, unabridged, divided into 2 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel by Wilkie Collins exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 7 sentences, grouped into 2 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 1 of The Dead Secret: A Novel?

Work through the 2 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 2 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Dead Secret: A Novel

Common questions about reading The Dead Secret: A Novel by Wilkie Collins on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Dead Secret: A Novel?

Yes. All 6528 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #43092 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Dead Secret: A Novel is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #43092, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Dead Secret: A Novel take to read?

About 544 minutes of reading across 1306 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Dead Secret: A Novel section by section

How to work through The Dead Secret: A Novel section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 29 chapters of The Dead Secret: A Novel 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 Dead Secret: A Novel

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Dead Secret: A Novel, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Italic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Dead Secret: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Denoted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Dead Secret: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Underscores
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Dead Secret: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Equal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Dead Secret: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.