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The Initials: A Story of Modern Life
The Initials: A Story of Modern Life

Chapter XIII

Chapter 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life is here in full — 397 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/79 · 5 lines
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THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.
IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.
In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.
Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.
“Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Initials: A Story of Modern Life

Chapter XIII

Chapter 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life is here in full — 397 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/79 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.
Line 2
IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.
Line 3
In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.
Line 4
Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.
Line 5
“Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

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.

cadet noun US /kəˈdet/

a military trainee (as at a military academy)

From this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

considerably adverb US /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

to a great extent or degree

From this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

hired adjective US /ˈhaɪərd/

having services engaged for a fee

From this reading “IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.”

Hoffmann noun US /ˈhɔːfmən/

Austrian architect known for his use of rectilinear units (1870-1956)

From this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

october noun US /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading “THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.”

propriety noun US /prəˈpraɪəti/

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading “THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.”

uncomfortably adverb US /ənˈkʌmfərtəbli/

in physical discomfort

From this reading “In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.”

wedge noun US /wedʒ/

any shape that is triangular in cross section

From this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

fully convinced adverb + adjective

In this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

young ladies adjective + noun counted as “young lady”

a young female

In this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

came running verb + adjective counted as “come running”

In this reading “Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.”

In order preposition + noun

in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement

In this reading “In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.”

three boys noun + noun counted as “three boy”

In this reading “In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.”

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 THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

bearingnounUS /ˈberɪŋ/

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

betrothedadjective

pledged to be married

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

boxnounUS /bɑːks/

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

cadetnounUS /kəˈdet/

a military trainee (as at a military academy)

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

carriagenounUS /ˈkærɪdʒ/

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

civiladjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəl/

applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

CONDUCTverbUS /ˈkɑːndəkt/

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

considerablyadverbUS /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

to a great extent or degree

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

convincedadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnst/

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

Crescenz's

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

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

criedverbUS /kraɪd/

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

declaredadjectiveUS /dɪˈklerd/

made known or openly avowed

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

drivenadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪvən/

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

endeavouring

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

equipagenoun

equipment and supplies of a military force

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

Fritz

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

FÊTE

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

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

gainedverbUS /ɡeɪnd/

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

hiredadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪərd/

having services engaged for a fee

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

HoffmannnounUS /ˈhɔːfmən/

Austrian architect known for his use of rectilinear units (1870-1956)

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/

a quantity that is added

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

intentionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃən/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

ITpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

ladiesnounUS /ˈleɪdiz/

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

lateradverbUS /ˈleɪtər/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

LESSONnounUS /ˈlesən/

a unit of instruction

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

MadamenounUS /ˈmædəm/

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

mountedadjectiveUS /ˈmaʊntəd/

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

OCTOBERnounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

OhnounUS /oʊ/

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

others

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

PROPRIETYnounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

Rosenberg

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

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

runningadjectiveUS /ˈrʌnɪŋ/

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

servantnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənt/

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

Stultz

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

SundaynounUS /ˈsʌndeɪ/

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

that's

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

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE OCTOBER FÊTE, AND A LESSON ON PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

uncomfortablyadverbUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbli/

in physical discomfort

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

uniformadjectiveUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrm/

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

visitverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading “Oh, dear,” cried Madame Rosenberg, “now really that’s very civil—before I have returned her visit, too!

walknounUS /wɔːk/

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading In order to increase Crescenz’s pleasure, he had promised to take the three boys also, and though Mr. Rosenberg had declared his intention to walk, their party was still uncomfortably large.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

wedgenounUS /wedʒ/

any shape that is triangular in cross section

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading IT was the first Sunday in October, and Major Stultz had just driven up to the door in a carriage, which he had hired to take his betrothed and her family to the October fête.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

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

From this reading Fritz in his cadet uniform mounted the box, fully convinced that the equipage had considerably gained in appearance by his presence, and the others were endeavouring to wedge in the children between them, when a servant came running to the door, bearing a message from Madame de Hoffmann, who offered a seat in her carriage to one of the young ladies, if they did not mind going a little later.

Chapter 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life by Jemima Montgomery, Baroness Tautphoeus holds 397 sentences, grouped into 80 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 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life contain?

Chapter 13 holds 397 sentences of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life by Jemima Montgomery, Baroness Tautphoeus exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 397 sentences, grouped into 80 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 13 of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life?

Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 80 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 13 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.

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Common questions about reading The Initials: A Story of Modern Life by Jemima Montgomery, Baroness Tautphoeus on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Yes. All 8526 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #58908 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #58908, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 600 minutes of reading across 1706 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in The Initials: A Story of Modern Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Initials: A Story of Modern Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Baroness
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Tautph
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Quits
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Initials: A Story of Modern Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.