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The Knave of Diamonds
The Knave of Diamonds

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Knave of Diamonds is here in full — 246 sentences across 50 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/49 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.
And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.
It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.
With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.
It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.
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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 Knave of Diamonds

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Knave of Diamonds is here in full — 246 sentences across 50 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/49 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.
Line 2
And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.
Line 3
It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.
Line 4
With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.
Line 5
It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

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.

Britons noun US /ˈbrɪtənz/

plural of “briton” — a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

From this reading “AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.”

comers noun US /ˈkʌmərz/

plural of “comer” — someone with a promising future

From this reading “AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.”

deigned verb US /deɪnd/

past form of “deign” — do something that one considers to be below one's dignity

From this reading “It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.”

immemorial adjective US /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/

long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history

From this reading “And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.”

obligatory adjective US /əˈblɪɡətɔːri/

morally or legally constraining or binding

From this reading “It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.”

opulent adjective US /ˈɑːpjələnt/

ostentatiously rich and superior in quality

From this reading “AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.”

pointedly adverb US /ˈpɔɪntɪdliː/

in such a manner as to make something clearly evident

From this reading “It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.”

scowl noun US /skaʊl/

a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

From this reading “It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.”

All words in this reading · 108

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 And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

accordancenounUS /əˈkɔːrdəns/

concurrence of opinion

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

alikeadverbUS /əˈlaɪk/

equally

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

AmericansnounUS /əˈmerəkənz/

plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/

being ahead of time or need

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

BritonsnounUS /ˈbrɪtənz/

plural of “briton” — a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

butlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

changeverbUS /tʃeɪndʒ/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

comersnounUS /ˈkʌmərz/

plural of “comer” — someone with a promising future

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

couldn't

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

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

cursedadjectiveUS /kɜːrst/

deserving a curse; sometimes used as an intensifier

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

customnounUS /ˈkʌstəm/

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

deignedverbUS /deɪnd/

past form of “deign” — do something that one considers to be below one's dignity

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

Dimsdale

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

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

Dimsdale's

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

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

emergedverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒd/

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

fixedadjectiveUS /fɪkst/

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

foxhounds

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

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

gatesnounUS /ɡeɪts/

United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

Giles

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

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

guestsnounUS /ɡests/

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

honoursnoun

a university degree with honors

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

ignoredadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnɔːrd/

disregarded

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

immemorialadjectiveUS /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/

long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

impecuniousadjective

not having enough money to pay for necessities

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

lawnnounUS /lɔːn/

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

ManornounUS /ˈmænər/

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

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 It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

masternounUS /ˈmæstər/

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

MEETverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

metverbUS /met/

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/

disregarded

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

noblyadverbUS /ˈnɑːbli/

in a noble manner

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

obligatoryadjectiveUS /əˈblɪɡətɔːri/

morally or legally constraining or binding

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

observedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

opulentadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpjələnt/

ostentatiously rich and superior in quality

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

pitynounUS /ˈpɪti/

a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

placesnounUS /ˈpleɪsəz/

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

pointedlyadverbUS /ˈpɔɪntɪdliː/

in such a manner as to make something clearly evident

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

proudadjectiveUS /praʊd/

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

remarknounUS /rɪˈmɑːrk/

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

restedadjectiveUS /ˈrestəd/

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

scowlnounUS /skaʊl/

a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/

of superior grade

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

Shirley

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

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

shooknounUS /ʃʊk/

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

SirnounUS /sɜːr/

term of address for a man

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

smileverbUS /smaɪl/

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

tasknounUS /tæsk/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading It was the great day of Dimsdale's year, and his was the proud task to see that none of the guests were neglected.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading With old Dimsdale the butler rather than with his master rested the honours of the house, and old Dimsdale did his part nobly; so nobly that Major Shirley was heard to remark more than once that it was a pity he and Sir Giles couldn't change places.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

weeksnounUS /wiːks/

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was then that Sir Giles, who cursed this obligatory hospitality for weeks beforehand, emerged with a smile as fixed as his scowl, shook hands with the select few whom he deigned to number among his acquaintances and pointedly ignored the many who did not enjoy this privilege.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading And this was when, in accordance with a custom that had been observed from time immemorial, the foxhounds met upon the Manor lawn.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading AT THE MEET On one occasion, and one only, in the whole year were the gates of the Manor thrown open to all comers, opulent Americans and impecunious Britons alike.

Chapter 4 of The Knave of Diamonds by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell holds 246 sentences, grouped into 50 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 4 of The Knave of Diamonds contain?

Chapter 4 holds 246 sentences of The Knave of Diamonds, unabridged, divided into 50 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Knave of Diamonds by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 246 sentences, grouped into 50 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 4 of The Knave of Diamonds?

Work through the 50 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 50 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Knave of Diamonds

Common questions about reading The Knave of Diamonds by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Knave of Diamonds?

Yes. All 10295 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12484 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Knave of Diamonds is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12484, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Knave of Diamonds take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2059 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Knave of Diamonds section by section

How to work through The Knave of Diamonds section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Knave of Diamonds to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Knave of Diamonds

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Knave of Diamonds, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chosen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Knave of Diamonds; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Corner
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Knave of Diamonds; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Certainly
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Knave of Diamonds; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Advantage
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Knave of Diamonds; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.