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The Giant's Robe
The Giant's Robe

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of The Giant's Robe is here in full — 181 sentences across 37 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/36 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.
Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.
He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.
Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.
But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Giant's Robe

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of The Giant's Robe is here in full — 181 sentences across 37 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/36 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.
/ɪn wɪtʃ mɑːrk meɪks æn ˈenəmi ənd rɪˈkʌvərz ə frend/
Line 2
Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.
Line 3
He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.
/hiː wɑːz ˈkɑːnstəntli rəˈsiːvɪŋ ˈletərz frʌm ˈedɪtərz ɔːr ˈpʌblɪʃərz ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ hɪm tuː raɪt fɔːr ðem ənd ˈɔːfərɪŋ tɜːrmz wɪtʃ ɪkˈsiːdəd hɪz ˈhaɪəst ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz/
Line 4
Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.
Line 5
But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

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.

defection noun US /dɪˈfekʃən/

withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility

From this reading “But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.”

editors noun US /ˈedɪtərz/

plural of “editor” — a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading “He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.”

exceeded verb US /ɪkˈsiːdəd/

past form of “exceed” — be greater in scope or size than some standard

From this reading “He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.”

Mark's noun US /mɑːrks/

possessive form of “mark” — a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading “Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.”

Peter's noun US /ˈpiːtərz/

possessive form of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading “But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.”

proposals noun US /prəˈpoʊzəlz/

plural of “proposal” — something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

From this reading “Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.”

publishers noun US /ˈpʌblɪʃərz/

plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading “He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.”

recovers verb US /rɪˈkʌvərz/

third-person singular of “recover” — get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading “IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.”

All words in this reading · 117

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 WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

appointedadjectiveUS /əˈpɔɪntɪd/

subject to appointment

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

begunverbUS /bɪˈɡʌn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

complimentverbUS /ˈkɑːmpləment/

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

compositionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/

the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

constantlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnstəntli/

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

dealverbUS /diːl/

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

defectionnounUS /dɪˈfekʃən/

withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

delightsnounUS /dɪˈlaɪts/

plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

devoteverbUS /dɪˈvoʊt/

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

editorsnounUS /ˈedɪtərz/

plural of “editor” — a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

emptyverbUS /ˈempti/

make void or empty of contents

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

ENEMYnounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

exceededverbUS /ɪkˈsiːdəd/

past form of “exceed” — be greater in scope or size than some standard

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

expectationsnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

famenounUS /feɪm/

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

FRIENDnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

fulfilmentnoun

a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

highestadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪəst/

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/

becoming greater or larger

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

invitingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/

attractive and tempting

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

keennessnoun

a quick and penetrating intelligence

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/

the literary culture

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

MAKESnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

MARKverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

Mark'snounUS /mɑːrks/

possessive form of “mark” — a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/

held or filled or in use

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

onesnounUS /wʌnz/

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

Peter'snounUS /ˈpiːtərz/

possessive form of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

pleasanter

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

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

promisesnounUS /ˈprɑːməsəz/

plural of “promise” — a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

proofsnounUS /pruːfs/

plural of “proof” — any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

proposalsnounUS /prəˈpoʊzəlz/

plural of “proposal” — something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

publishersnounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃərz/

plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

RECOVERSverbUS /rɪˈkʌvərz/

third-person singular of “recover” — get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

regularadjectiveUS /ˈreɡjələr/

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

requiredadjectiveUS /riˈkwaɪərd/

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

scruplenounUS /ˈskruːpəl/

a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

SeveraladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

somehowadverbUS /ˈsʌmhaʊ/

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

St

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

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

termsnounUS /tɜːrmz/

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

turnverbUS /tɜːrn/

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

vagueadjectiveUS /veɪɡ/

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Several of these proposals--all the more tempting ones, in fact--he accepted at once; not that he had anything by him in manuscript just then of the kind required from him, but he felt a vague sense of power to turn out something very fine indeed, long before the time appointed for the fulfilment of his promises.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Mark's fame was still increasing, and he began to have proofs of this in a pleasanter and more substantial form than empty compliment.

WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading IN WHICH MARK MAKES AN ENEMY AND RECOVERS A FRIEND.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading But, so far, he had not done any regular literary work since his defection: he was still at St. Peter's, which occupied most of his time, but somehow, now that he could devote his evenings without scruple to the delights of composition, those delights seemed to have lost their keenness, and besides, he had begun to go out a great deal.

writeverbUS /raɪt/

produce a literary work

From this reading He was constantly receiving letters from editors or publishers inviting him to write for them, and offering terms which exceeded his highest expectations.

Chapter 16 of The Giant's Robe by F. Anstey holds 181 sentences, grouped into 37 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 16 of The Giant's Robe contain?

Chapter 16 holds 181 sentences of The Giant's Robe, unabridged, divided into 37 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of The Giant's Robe by F. Anstey exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 181 sentences, grouped into 37 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 16 of The Giant's Robe?

Work through the 37 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 37 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 Giant's Robe

Common questions about reading The Giant's Robe by F. Anstey on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Giant's Robe?

Yes. All 7161 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #27507 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Giant's Robe is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #27507, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Giant's Robe take to read?

About 596 minutes of reading across 1433 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Giant's Robe section by section

How to work through The Giant's Robe section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Giant's Robe to begin.

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    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 Giant's Robe

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Giant's Robe, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Parochial
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Giant's Robe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Older
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Giant's Robe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Style
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Giant's Robe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Alternative
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Giant's Robe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.