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The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4
The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4

Chapter XXXVII

Chapter 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 is here in full — 638 sentences across 128 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/127 · 5 lines
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THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.
Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"
Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.
Such was the case in the present instance.
The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4

Chapter XXXVII

Chapter 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 is here in full — 638 sentences across 128 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/127 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.
/ðə ˈstreɪndʒər huː dɪˈskʌvərd ðə kɔːrps/
Line 2
Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"
/pərˈhæps ðer ɪz noʊ ˈʌðər kraɪ ɪn ðə wɜːrld seɪv ðæt ʌv ˈfaɪər mɔːr ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd tuː spred ˈterər ənd dɪˈsmeɪ wen ˈfɑːlɪŋ ˈsʌdənli ənd ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli əˈpɑːn ðə ɪrz ʌv ə ˈpɑːrti ʌv ˈrevələrz ðæn ðæt ʌv ə kɔːrps ə kɔːrps/
Line 3
Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.
Line 4
Such was the case in the present instance.
/sʌtʃ wɑːz ðə keɪs ɪn ðə ˈprezənt ˈɪnstəns/
Line 5
The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.
/ðə ɪnˈtaɪər ˈpɑːrti ˈstɑːrtɪd frʌm ðer siːts ənd ðə smaɪlz ðæt wɜːr ə ˈmoʊmənt bɪˈfɔːr əˈpɑːn ðer ˈkaʊntənənsɪz ɡeɪv pleɪs tuː lʊks ʌv proʊˈfaʊnd ˈhɔːrər ənd ˌɪnˈtens ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/

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.

appalling noun US /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/

an experience that appalls

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

associates noun US /əˈsoʊsiəts/

plural of “associate” — a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

conjectures noun US /kənˈdʒektʃərz/

plural of “conjecture” — a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

countenances noun US /ˈkaʊntənənsɪz/

plural of “countenance” — the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading “The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.”

herald verb US /ˈherəld/

foreshadow or presage

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

ominous adjective US /ˈɑːmənəs/

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

revellers noun US /ˈrevələrz/

plural of “reveller” — a celebrant who shares in a noisy party

From this reading “Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"”

revolves verb US /riˈvɑːlvz/

third-person singular of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center

From this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

intense curiosity adjective + noun

In this reading “The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.”

present instance verb + noun

In this reading “Such was the case in the present instance.”

entire party adjective + noun

In this reading “The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.”

sudden death adjective + noun

(sports) overtime in which play is stopped as soon as one contestant scores; e.g. football and golf

In this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

in reality preposition + noun

used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly

In this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

more appalling adjective + noun

In this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

natural causes adjective + noun counted as “natural cause”

In this reading “Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.”

in the world preposition + article + noun counted as “in … world”

In this reading “Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"”

All words in this reading · 97

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/

a formal public statement

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

appallingnounUS /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/

an experience that appalls

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

associatesnounUS /əˈsoʊsiəts/

plural of “associate” — a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

conjecturesnounUS /kənˈdʒektʃərz/

plural of “conjecture” — a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

CORPSEnounUS /kɔːrps/

the dead body of a human being

From this reading THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.

countenancesnounUS /ˈkaʊntənənsɪz/

plural of “countenance” — the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

cryverbUS /kraɪ/

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

curiositynounUS /ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

deednounUS /diːd/

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

DISCOVEREDadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.

dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

dreadnounUS /dred/

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

earsnounUS /ɪrz/

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

entireadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtaɪər/

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

explanationnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃən/

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

fallingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlɪŋ/

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

FireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/

start firing a weapon

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

foulest

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

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

hearsverbUS /hiːrz/

third-person singular of “hear” — perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

heraldverbUS /ˈherəld/

foreshadow or presage

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

horrornounUS /ˈhɔːrər/

intense and profound fear

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

imaginationnounUS /ˌɪmædʒəˈneɪʃən/

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

instancenounUS /ˈɪnstəns/

an occurrence of something

From this reading Such was the case in the present instance.

instinctivelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪvliː/

as a matter of instinct

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

intenseadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtens/

possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

looksnounUS /lʊks/

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

PerhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Such was the case in the present instance.

profoundadjectiveUS /proʊˈfaʊnd/

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

realitynounUS /ˌriːˈælətiː/

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

revellersnounUS /ˈrevələrz/

plural of “reveller” — a celebrant who shares in a noisy party

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

revolvesverbUS /riˈvɑːlvz/

third-person singular of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

seatsnounUS /siːts/

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

singleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡəl/

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/

plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

spreadverbUS /spred/

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

STRANGERnounUS /ˈstreɪndʒər/

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such was the case in the present instance.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

terrornounUS /ˈterər/

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

treacherynounUS /ˈtretʃ.ər.i/

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/

in a way that was not expected

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Such was the case in the present instance.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The entire party started from their seats; and the smiles that were a moment before upon their countenances gave place to looks of profound horror and intense curiosity.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

WHOpronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading THE STRANGER WHO DISCOVERED THE CORPSE.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

wordnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Perhaps there is no other cry in the world, save that of "Fire!" more calculated to spread terror and dismay, when falling suddenly and unexpectedly upon the ears of a party of revellers, than that of "A corpse! a corpse!"

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Before a single question can be put, or a word of explanation be given, each one who hears that ominous announcement revolves a thousand dread conjectures in his mind: for although that cry might in reality herald nothing more appalling than a case of sudden death from natural causes, yet the imagination instinctively associates it with the foulest deed of treachery and murder.

Chapter 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds holds 638 sentences, grouped into 128 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 contain?

Chapter 37 holds 638 sentences of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4, unabridged, divided into 128 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 638 sentences, grouped into 128 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 37 of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4?

Work through the 128 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 128 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 37 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 37 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 Mysteries of London, V. 2/4

Common questions about reading The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4?

Yes. All 18409 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #51294 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #51294, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3682 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 section by section

How to work through The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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

Vocabulary met early in The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mysteries
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
London
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Pickwick
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mysteries of London, V. 2/4; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.