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The Lesson of the Master
The Lesson of the Master

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Lesson of the Master is here in full — 207 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Lesson of the Master
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the stepsthey descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effectat the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.
Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a bit of colour amid the fresh rich green.
The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.
The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.
He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near Londonthat only made it betteron a splendid Sunday in June.
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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 Lesson of the Master

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Lesson of the Master is here in full — 207 sentences across 42 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the stepsthey descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effectat the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.
Line 2
Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as abit of colouramid the fresh rich green.
Line 3
The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.
Line 4
The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.
Line 5
He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near Londonthat only made it betteron a splendid Sunday in June.

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.

Stood verb US /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.”

All words in this reading · 124

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.

a

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

accompanied

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

admirable

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

after

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

always

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

amid

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

an

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

and

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

arms

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

as

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

asking

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

at

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

been

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

better

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

bit

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

bright

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

but

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

by

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

charming

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

church

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

circular

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

colour

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

conscious

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

corrected

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

country-house

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

crimson

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

declined

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

descended

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

disrepair

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

distance

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

door

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

dress

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

easy

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

effect

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

eyes

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

far

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

figure

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

first

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

fourth

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

fresh

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

from

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

gallery

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

general

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

gentlemen

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

go

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

grass

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

great

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

green

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

grounds

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

group

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

had

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

HE

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

height

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

him

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

his

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

if

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

immense

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

in

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

introduce

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

it

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

journey

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

June

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

ladies

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

lawn

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

liking

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

little

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

London

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

long

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

made

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

man

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

most

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

near

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

new

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

no

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

of

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

old

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

on

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

once

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

only

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

overlooked

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

Overt

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

Paul

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

perceptive

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

picture

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

possession

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

privilege

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

rich

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

room

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

sat

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

saw

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

scene

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

servant

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

short

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

showed

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

so

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

splendid

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

steps

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

Sunday

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

sweep

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

take

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

that

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

the

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

there

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

they

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

this

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

Three

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

threshold

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

to

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

told

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

top

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

trees

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

two

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

under

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

view

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

was

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

were

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

what

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

which

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

while

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

From this reading Three gentlemen, on the grass, at a distance, sat under the great trees, while the fourth figure showed a crimson dress that told as a “bit of colour” amid the fresh rich green.

wide

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

From this reading He stood there a little with his eyes on the group and on the admirable picture, the wide grounds of an old country-house near London—that only made it better—on a splendid Sunday in June.

wished

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

From this reading The servant had so far accompanied Paul Overt as to introduce him to this view, after asking him if he wished first to go to his room.

with

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

From this reading HE had been told the ladies were at church, but this was corrected by what he saw from the top of the steps—they descended from a great height in two arms, with a circular sweep of the most charming effect—at the threshold of the door which, from the long bright gallery, overlooked the immense lawn.

young

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

From this reading The young man declined that privilege, conscious of no disrepair from so short and easy a journey and always liking to take at once a general perceptive possession of a new scene.

Chapter 1 of The Lesson of the Master by Henry James holds 207 sentences, grouped into 42 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 1 of The Lesson of the Master contain?

Chapter 1 holds 207 sentences of The Lesson of the Master, unabridged, divided into 42 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Lesson of the Master by Henry James exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 207 sentences, grouped into 42 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 1 of The Lesson of the Master?

Work through the 42 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 42 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Lesson of the Master

Common questions about reading The Lesson of the Master by Henry James on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Lesson of the Master?

Yes. All 1488 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #898 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Lesson of the Master is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #898, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Lesson of the Master take to read?

About 124 minutes of reading across 298 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Lesson of the Master section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 7 chapters of The Lesson of the Master 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 Lesson of the Master

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Lesson of the Master, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Ladies
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Lesson of the Master; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Church
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Lesson of the Master; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Corrected
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Lesson of the Master; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Steps
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Lesson of the Master; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.