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The goddess: a demon
The goddess: a demon

Chapter XXV · The Goddess

Cover illustration for The goddess: a demon
Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.
I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.
That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.
It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.
Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The goddess: a demon

Chapter XXV · The Goddess

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.
Line 2
I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.
Line 3
That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.
Line 4
It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.
Line 5
Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.”

Body noun US /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.”

Either determiner US /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading “I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.”

Point noun US /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading “I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.”

All words in this reading · 89

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

afterwards

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

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

air

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

all

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

amazing

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

basis

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

bearing

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

bodynounUS /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

brain

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

certain

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

conviction

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

delirium

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

disorder

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

dissipation

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

dividing

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

exactly

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

fact

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

falsehood

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

fires

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

health

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

indication

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

Lawrence

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

led

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

line

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

madness

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

manner

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

method

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

most

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

much

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

obvious

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

physical

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

probable

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

raving

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

reacted

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

said

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

sanity

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

satisfy

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

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

speaking

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

speech

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

statements

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

suspect

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

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.

tale

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

then

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

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

there

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

truth

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I could not satisfy myself upon the point; either then or afterwards.

usual

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

From this reading It is probable that the life of dissipation which he had led had told upon his physical health; and that, as usual, the body had reacted on the mind.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

wildness

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

From this reading That the wildness of his speech and manner was an indication of the disorder of his mind was obvious; that in his brain there were the fires of delirium was sure; that the tale which he told was not all raving was as certain.

wondering

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

From this reading I had been wondering, while Lawrence had been speaking, where, exactly, in what he said, was the dividing line between truth and falsehood; between sanity and madness.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet there was such an air of conviction in his bearing, and so much method in his madness, that even in his most amazing statements one could not but suspect, at least, a basis of fact.