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The Mystery of Edwin Drood
The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood is here in full — 166 sentences across 34 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.
Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.
Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.
And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.
This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood 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
A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.
Line 2
Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.
Line 3
Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.
Line 4
And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.
Line 5
This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

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.

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.”

Stood verb US /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.”

All words in this reading · 110

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

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

A

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

about

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

absorbed

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

air

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

all

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

altogether

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

ample

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

an

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

and

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

announced

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

announcements

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

appeared

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

as

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

At

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

back

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

Being

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

black

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

blue

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

Both

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

buff

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

business

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

but

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

buttoned

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

by

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

chronically

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

city

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

CLOISTERHAM

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

coffee-room

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

concern

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

Crozier

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

cutlet

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

dog

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

down

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

empty

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

eyebrows

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

farther

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

fireplace

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

for

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

fried

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

gentleman's

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

gray

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

had

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

hair

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

he

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

head

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

himself

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

his

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

hotel

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

idle

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

IN

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

information

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

it

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

large

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

lived

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

lodging

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

made

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

means

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

might

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

military

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

month

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

not

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

of

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

old

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

or

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

orthodox

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

personage

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

picturesque

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

pint

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

portmanteau

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

put

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

represented

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

SETTLER

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

settling

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

sherry

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

shock

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

slack

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

sole

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

something

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

stranger

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

surtout

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

take

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

that

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

the

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

there

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

thick

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

this

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

tightish

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

time

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

to

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

trousers

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

two

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

unusually

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

up

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

upon

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

veal

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

view

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

waistcoat

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

waiter

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

waiting

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

was

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

were

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

where

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

white

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

From this reading This gentleman’s white head was unusually large, and his shock of white hair was unusually thick and ample.

white-haired

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

who

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

From this reading Being buttoned up in a tightish blue surtout, with a buff waistcoat and gray trousers, he had something of a military air, but he announced himself at the Crozier (the orthodox hotel, where he put up with a portmanteau) as an idle dog who lived upon his means; and he farther announced that he had a mind to take a lodging in the picturesque old city for a month or two, with a view of settling down there altogether.

whole

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

From this reading And the waiter (business being chronically slack at the Crozier) represented all whom it might or might not concern, and absorbed the whole of the information.

whom

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

From this reading Both announcements were made in the coffee-room of the Crozier, to all whom it might or might not concern, by the stranger as he stood with his back to the empty fireplace, waiting for his fried sole, veal cutlet, and pint of sherry.

with

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

From this reading A SETTLER IN CLOISTERHAM At about this time a stranger appeared in Cloisterham; a white-haired personage, with black eyebrows.

Chapter 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens 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 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood contain?

Chapter 18 holds 166 sentences of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, unabridged, divided into 34 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens 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 18 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood?

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 18 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 18 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 Mystery of Edwin Drood

Common questions about reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Mystery of Edwin Drood?

Yes. All 5297 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #564 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Mystery of Edwin Drood is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #564, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Mystery of Edwin Drood take to read?

About 441 minutes of reading across 1060 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Mystery of Edwin Drood section by section

How to work through The Mystery of Edwin Drood section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 23 chapters of The Mystery of Edwin Drood 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 Mystery of Edwin Drood

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Ancient
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
English
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cathedral
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Tower
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.