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The Elect Lady
The Elect Lady

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Elect Lady is here in full — 82 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.
In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.
The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.
She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.
As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Elect Lady

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Elect Lady is here in full — 82 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.
/ˈlændlɔːrdz ˈdɔːtər ənd ˈtenənts sʌn/
Line 2
In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.
Line 3
The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.
/ðə jʌŋ ˈwʊmən held ɪn hɜːr hænd ə ˈpeɪpər wɪtʃ siːmd ðə səbˈdʒekt ʌv ðer ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/
Line 4
She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.
Line 5
As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.
/æz tuː hɜːr ˈsoʊʃəl ɪkˈspreʃən ɪt wɑːz ə ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ ʌv ðə ˈdʒentəlwʊmən ʌv ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən ənd ðə ˈfɑːrmərz ˈdɔːtər səˈpriːm ˈoʊvər ðə ˈhaʊshoʊld ənd ɪts ʃer ɪn ðə ˈleɪbər ʌv prəˈdʌkʃən/

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.

appointments noun US /əˈpɔɪntmənts/

plural of “appointment” — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading “In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.”

farmer's noun US /ˈfɑːrmərz/

possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading “As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.”

flagged verb US /flæɡd/

inflected form of “flag” — communicate or signal with a flag

From this reading “In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.”

gentlewoman noun US /ˈdʒentəlwʊmən/

a woman of refinement

From this reading “As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.”

landlord's noun US /ˈlændlɔːrdz/

possessive form of “landlord” — a landowner who leases to others

From this reading “LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.”

slate noun US /sleɪt/

(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

From this reading “In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.”

tenant's noun US /ˈtenənts/

possessive form of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading “LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.”

utensils noun US /juːˈtensəlz/

plural of “utensil” — an implement for practical use (especially in a household)

From this reading “In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.”

All words in this reading · 112

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.

appointmentsnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənts/

plural of “appointment” — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/

contrived by art rather than nature

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

darknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

DAUGHTERnounUS /ˈdɔːtər/

a female human offspring

From this reading LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.

dealverbUS /diːl/

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

educationnounUS /ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən/

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

evidentlyadverbUS /ˈevədəntli/

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

farmverbUS /fɑːrm/

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

farmer'snounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/

possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

farmhousenounUS /ˈfɑːrmhaʊs/

house for a farmer and family

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

five-and-twenty

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

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

flaggedverbUS /flæɡd/

inflected form of “flag” — communicate or signal with a flag

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

gentlewomannounUS /ˈdʒentəlwʊmən/

a woman of refinement

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

growverbUS /ɡroʊ/

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

grownadjectiveUS /ɡroʊn/

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

hairnounUS /her/

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

handsomeadjectiveUS /ˈhænsəm/

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

hazeladjectiveUS /ˈheɪzəl/

of a light brown or yellowish brown color

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

householdnounUS /ˈhaʊshoʊld/

a social unit living together

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

humbleadjectiveUS /ˈhʌmbəl/

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

indicatingverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

influencenounUS /ˈɪnfluːəns/

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

kitchennounUS /ˈkɪtʃən/

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

labornounUS /ˈleɪbər/

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

LANDLORD'SnounUS /ˈlændlɔːrdz/

possessive form of “landlord” — a landowner who leases to others

From this reading LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

levelnounUS /ˈlevəl/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

meetingnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

minglingnounUS /ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ/

the action of people mingling and coming into contact

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

moderateverbUS /ˈmɑːdərət/

preside over

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/

plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

potentadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊtənt/

having great influence

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/

the act or process of producing something

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

prolongedadjectiveUS /prəˈlɔːŋd/

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

ranknounUS /ræŋk/

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

regnantadjective

exercising power or authority

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

self-subjugation

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

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

shareverbUS /ʃer/

have in common

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

sizenounUS /saɪz/

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

slatenounUS /sleɪt/

(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

socialadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/

relating to human society and its members

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

SONnounUS /sʌn/

a male human offspring

From this reading LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

supremeadjectiveUS /səˈpriːm/

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

TENANT'SnounUS /ˈtenənts/

possessive form of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER AND TENANT'S SON.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading As to her social expression, it was a mingling of the gentlewoman of education, and the farmer's daughter supreme over the household and its share in the labor of production.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

ungracefuladjective

lacking grace; clumsy

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/

under normal conditions

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

utensilsnounUS /juːˈtensəlz/

plural of “utensil” — an implement for practical use (especially in a household)

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading She was about four- or five-and-twenty, well grown and not ungraceful, with dark hair, dark hazel eyes, and rather large, handsome features, full of intelligence, but a little hard, and not a little regnant--as such features must be, except after prolonged influence of a heart potent in self-subjugation.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The young woman held in her hand a paper, which seemed the subject of their conversation.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In a kitchen of moderate size, flagged with slate, humble in its appointments, yet looking scarcely that of a farmhouse--for there were utensils about it indicating necessities more artificial than usually grow upon a farm--with the corner of a white deal table between them, sat two young people evidently different in rank, and meeting upon no level of friendship.

Chapter 1 of The Elect Lady by George MacDonald holds 82 sentences, grouped into 17 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 Elect Lady contain?

Chapter 1 holds 82 sentences of The Elect Lady, unabridged, divided into 17 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Elect Lady by George MacDonald exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 82 sentences, grouped into 17 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 Elect Lady?

Work through the 17 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 17 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 Elect Lady

Common questions about reading The Elect Lady by George MacDonald on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Elect Lady?

Yes. All 3543 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #8944 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Elect Lady is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #8944, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Elect Lady take to read?

About 295 minutes of reading across 709 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Elect Lady section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 37 chapters of The Elect Lady 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 Elect Lady

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

Landlord's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Elect Lady; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Daughter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Elect Lady; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Tenant's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Elect Lady; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Kitchen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Elect Lady; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.