Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Nether World
The Nether World

Chapter XXIX

Cover illustration for The Nether World
Context Illustration Reading 1/47 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.
It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.
The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.
It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.
He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 Nether World

Chapter XXIX

Reading 1/47 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.
Line 2
It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.
Line 3
The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.
Line 4
It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.
Line 5
He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

Amid preposition US /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.”

All words in this reading · 100

Every word is available to listen to. 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 ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

annoyance

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

anxiety

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

appointments

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

argue

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

bare

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

BARREN

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

bearing

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

breakfast

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

brief

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

C

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

caused

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

Chelsea

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

civilisation

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

day

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

enjoy

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

evening

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

few

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

floor

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

friend

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

graceful

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

interview

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

letter

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

lived

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

lodging-house

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

luxuries

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

made

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

Messrs

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

modest

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

Mr

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

necessaries

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

office

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

out

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

parlour

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

Peel

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

Percival

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

person

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

place

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

possible

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

professional

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

reason

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

received

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

remuneration

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

rendered

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

request

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

room

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

sat

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

Scawthorne

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

Scawthorne's

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

second

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

services

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

SHORE

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

signed

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

simple

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

some

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

spend

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

From this reading He lived here for the simple reason that in order to enjoy a few of the luxuries of civilisation he had to spend as little as possible on bare necessaries.

Station

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

trivial

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

unexpected

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

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.

V

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

very

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

From this reading The room in which our friend sat at breakfast was of such very modest appearance that it seemed to argue but poor remuneration for the services rendered by him in the office of Messrs. Percival & Peel.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

Waterloo

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

From this reading It was signed ‘C. V.,’ and made brief request for an interview on the evening of the next day at Waterloo Station.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading It was a parlour on the second floor of a lodging-house in Chelsea; Scawthorne’s graceful person and professional bearing were out of place amid the trivial appointments.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading ON A BARREN SHORE About this time Mr. Scawthorne received one morning a letter which, though not unexpected, caused him some annoyance, and even anxiety.