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The House of a Thousand Candles
The House of a Thousand Candles

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles is here in full — 164 sentences across 33 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/32 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I EXPLORE A PASSAGE Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.
I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”
He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dogin, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.
That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.
Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The House of a Thousand Candles

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles is here in full — 164 sentences across 33 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/32 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I EXPLORE A PASSAGEBates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.
Line 2
I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”
Line 3
He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dogin, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.
Line 4
That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.
/ðæt lʊk ɪz ˈhɑːrtbreɪkɪŋ ɪn ə ˈsetər bʌt siːn ɪn ə mæn ɪt ərˈaʊzɪz ðə ˈdaɪrəst ˌhɑːməˈsaɪdəl ˈfiːlɪŋz ʌv wɪtʃ aɪ æm ˈkeɪpəbəl/
Line 5
Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

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.

arouses verb US /ərˈaʊzɪz/

third-person singular of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading “That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.”

chandelier noun US /ʃændəˈlɪr/

branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling

From this reading “He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.”

direst adjective US /ˈdaɪrəst/

superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading “That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.”

doddering adjective US /ˈdɑːdərɪŋ/

mentally or physically infirm with age

From this reading “I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.””

heartbreaking adjective US /ˈhɑːrtbreɪkɪŋ/

causing or marked by grief or anguish

From this reading “That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.”

homicidal adjective US /ˌhɑːməˈsaɪdəl/

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading “That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.”

replenishing verb US /riˈplenɪʃɪŋ/

-ing form of “replenish” — fill something that had previously been emptied

From this reading “I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.”

setter noun US /ˈsetər/

one who sets written material into type

From this reading “He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.”

All words in this reading · 110

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 I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

accidentallyadverbUS /ˌæksəˈdentəli/

without advance planning

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

appealingadjectiveUS /əˈpiːlɪŋ/

able to attract interest or draw favorable attention

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

armfulnoun

the quantity that can be contained in the arms

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

arousesverbUS /ərˈaʊzɪz/

third-person singular of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

badadjectiveUS /bæd/

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

BatesverbUS /beɪts/

third-person singular of “bate” — moderate or restrain; lessen the force of

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

candlesticksnounUS /ˈkændəlstɪks/

plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

capableadjectiveUS /ˈkeɪpəbəl/

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

chandeliernounUS /ʃændəˈlɪr/

branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

crystalnounUS /ˈkrɪstəl/

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

direstadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪrəst/

superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

dodderingadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːdərɪŋ/

mentally or physically infirm with age

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

dognounUS /dɔːɡ/

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

don't

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

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

EXPLOREverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːr/

inquire into

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

foolnounUS /fuːl/

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

Glenarm

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

From this reading “Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

guessverbUS /ɡes/

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

heartbreakingadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrtbreɪkɪŋ/

causing or marked by grief or anguish

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

homicidaladjectiveUS /ˌhɑːməˈsaɪdəl/

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

humblyadverbUS /ˈhʌmbli/

in a humble manner

From this reading “Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

hungverbUS /hʌŋ/

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

IrishnounUS /ˈaɪrɪʃ/

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

judgmentnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

laddernounUS /ˈlædər/

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

librarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/

a room where books are kept

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

lotnounUS /lɑːt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading “Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

PASSAGEnounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

patientnounUS /ˈpeɪʃənt/

a person who requires medical care

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

pokingnounUS /ˈpoʊkɪŋ/

a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

queeradjectiveUS /kwɪr/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

queerest

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

replenishingverbUS /riˈplenɪʃɪŋ/

-ing form of “replenish” — fill something that had previously been emptied

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

repliedverbUS /rɪˈplaɪd/

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

setternounUS /ˈsetər/

one who sets written material into type

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/

having a supporting base

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

stepnounUS /step/

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

tailnounUS /teɪl/

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

tellingadjectiveUS /ˈtelɪŋ/

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

thoroughlyadverbUS /ˈθɜːroʊli/

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

timesnounUS /taɪmz/

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He was standing on a ladder beneath the great crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the ceiling, and looked down upon me with that patient injury that is so appealing in a dog—in, say, the eyes of an Irish setter, when you accidentally step on his tail.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading That look is heartbreaking in a setter, but, seen in a man, it arouses the direst homicidal feelings of which I am capable.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

YesnounUS /jes/

an affirmative

From this reading “Yes, Mr. Glenarm,” he replied humbly.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I don’t mind telling you that there are times when I think you a thoroughly bad lot, and then again I question my judgment and don’t give you credit for being much more than a doddering fool.”

you're

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

From this reading I EXPLORE A PASSAGE “Bates!”—I found him busy replenishing the candlesticks in the library,—it seemed to me that he was always poking about with an armful of candles,—“there are a good many queer things in this world, but I guess you’re one of the queerest.

Chapter 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles by Meredith Nicholson holds 164 sentences, grouped into 33 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 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles contain?

Chapter 12 holds 164 sentences of The House of a Thousand Candles, unabridged, divided into 33 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles by Meredith Nicholson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 164 sentences, grouped into 33 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 12 of The House of a Thousand Candles?

Work through the 33 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 33 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 House of a Thousand Candles

Common questions about reading The House of a Thousand Candles by Meredith Nicholson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The House of a Thousand Candles?

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Which edition of The House of a Thousand Candles is used?

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

How long does The House of a Thousand Candles take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The House of a Thousand Candles

Words and structures a reader meets early in The House of a Thousand Candles, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The House of a Thousand Candles, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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