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The Mayor of Casterbridge
The Mayor of Casterbridge

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge is here in full — 166 sentences across 34 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Mayor of Casterbridge
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.
By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.
For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.
It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.
Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Mayor of Casterbridge

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge is here in full — 166 sentences across 34 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/33 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.
Line 2
By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.
Line 3
For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.
Line 4
It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.
Line 5
Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

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.

Alone adjective US /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading “It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.”

All words in this reading · 119

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 Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

about

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

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

among

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

an

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

and

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

anonymous

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

as

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

attempted

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

away

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

bear

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

believing

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

best

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

boisterous

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

brought

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

but

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

By

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

candles

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

clumsy

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

cold

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

comrades

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

contrivance

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

down

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

drawing-room

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

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

early

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

ears

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

eight

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

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

enjoyed

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

evening

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

fall

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

Farfrae

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

Farfrae's

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

firelight

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

flat

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

for

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

games

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

get

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

giving

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

had

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

half

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

have

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

heads

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

her

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

him

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

his

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

hour

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

if

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

in

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

indirectness

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

information

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

it

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

its

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

itself

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

keeping

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

letter

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

lighted

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

little

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

Longways

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

Lucetta

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

majority

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

measure

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

men

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

might

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

more

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

mummery

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

Night

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

no

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

not

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

Now

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

o'clock

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

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

of

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

old

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

one

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

order

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

other

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

out

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

plan

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

poor

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

preferred

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

protective

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

reach

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

recommended

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

satirical

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

scandal

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

sending

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

set

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

she

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

should

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

sitting

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

From this reading It was about eight o’clock, and Lucetta was sitting in the drawing-room alone.

some

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

sound

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

than

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

that

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

the

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

their

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

there

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

therefore

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

these

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

they

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

those

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

to

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

too

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

took

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

truth

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

upon

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

vengeance

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

waiting

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

was

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

way

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

well-intentioned

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

were

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

From this reading Now the anonymous letter was a well-intentioned but clumsy contrivance of Longways and other of Farfrae’s men to get him out of the way for the evening, in order that the satirical mummery should fall flat, if it were attempted.

wheels

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

when

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

which

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

who

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

window-sashes

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

From this reading Night had set in for more than half an hour, but she had not had the candles lighted, for when Farfrae was away she preferred waiting for him by the firelight, and, if it were not too cold, keeping one of the window-sashes a little way open that the sound of his wheels might reach her ears early.

with

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

From this reading For poor Lucetta they took no protective measure, believing with the majority there was some truth in the scandal, which she would have to bear as she best might.

would

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

From this reading By giving open information they would have brought down upon their heads the vengeance of those among their comrades who enjoyed these boisterous old games; and therefore the plan of sending a letter recommended itself by its indirectness.

Chapter 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy holds 166 sentences, grouped into 34 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 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge contain?

Chapter 31 holds 166 sentences of The Mayor of Casterbridge, unabridged, divided into 34 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 166 sentences, grouped into 34 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 31 of The Mayor of Casterbridge?

Work through the 34 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 34 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 31 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 31 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 Mayor of Casterbridge

Common questions about reading The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mayor of Casterbridge?

Yes. All 6288 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #143 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mayor of Casterbridge is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #143, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mayor of Casterbridge take to read?

About 524 minutes of reading across 1258 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mayor of Casterbridge section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 36 chapters of The Mayor of Casterbridge 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 Mayor of Casterbridge

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

Death
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mayor of Casterbridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Character
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mayor of Casterbridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Evening
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mayor of Casterbridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Summer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mayor of Casterbridge; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.