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The Old Curiosity Shop
The Old Curiosity Shop

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop is here in full — 293 sentences across 59 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Old Curiosity Shop
Context Illustration Reading 1/58 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.
Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.
These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.
It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, always.
Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’
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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 Old Curiosity Shop

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop is here in full — 293 sentences across 59 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/58 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.
Line 2
Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.
Line 3
These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.
Line 4
It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.
Line 5
Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower buttwas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Alone adjective US /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading “A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.”

Same adjective US /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading “A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.”

All words in this reading · 121

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 day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

after

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

again

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

always

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

From this reading ‘It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.

and

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

appendage

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

applied

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

arrangements

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

at

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

away

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

been

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

From this reading ‘It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.

being

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

black

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

Brass's

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

but

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

came

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

childhood's

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

complacency

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

completed

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

construction

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

crape

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

day

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

dear

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

decay

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

desk

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

down

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

effect

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

entire

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

ever

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

eye

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

fade

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

first

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

flower

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

folding

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

fondest

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

from

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

Gazelle

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

glad

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

great

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

hands

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

has

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

From this reading ‘It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.

hat

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

hatband

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

Having

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

he

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

himself

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

his

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

hopes

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

hour

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

I

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

I've

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

in

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

increase

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

into

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

it

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

its

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

know

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

love

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

loved

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

manner

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

market-gardener

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

marry

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

me

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

From this reading ‘It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.

measured

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

mournfulness

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

Mr

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

much

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

my

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

never

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

nursed

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

of

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

office

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

on

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

one

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

or

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

over

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

parcel

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

perfected

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

pinning

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

placed

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

pocket

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

pockets

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

Probity

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

put

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

Quilp

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

said

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

From this reading ‘It has always been the same with me,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘always.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

Sampson

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

satisfaction

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

seen

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

small

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

soft

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

steps

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

sure

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

surveyed

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

Swiveller

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

taking

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

tea-party

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

Temple

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

that

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

the

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

These

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

this

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

thrust

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

thus

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

to

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

tree

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

Twas

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

two

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

up

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

From this reading These arrangements perfected to his entire satisfaction, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked up and down the office with measured steps.

upon

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

usual

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

very

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

walked

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

was

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

well

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

when

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

From this reading ‘Twas ever thus--from childhood’s hour I’ve seen my fondest hopes decay, I never loved a tree or flower but ‘twas the first to fade away; I never nursed a dear Gazelle, to glad me with its soft black eye, but when it came to know me well, and love me, it was sure to marry a market-gardener.’

Wilderness

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

From this reading A day or two after the Quilp tea-party at the Wilderness, Mr Swiveller walked into Sampson Brass’s office at the usual hour, and being alone in that Temple of Probity, placed his hat upon the desk, and taking from his pocket a small parcel of black crape, applied himself to folding and pinning the same upon it, after the manner of a hatband.

with

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

work

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

From this reading Having completed the construction of this appendage, he surveyed his work with great complacency, and put his hat on again--very much over one eye, to increase the mournfulness of the effect.

Chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens holds 293 sentences, grouped into 59 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop contain?

Chapter 31 holds 293 sentences of The Old Curiosity Shop, unabridged, divided into 59 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 293 sentences, grouped into 59 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 31 of The Old Curiosity Shop?

Work through the 59 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 59 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 31 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 31 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Old Curiosity Shop

Common questions about reading The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Old Curiosity Shop?

Yes. All 9486 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #700 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Old Curiosity Shop is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #700, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Old Curiosity Shop take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1898 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Old Curiosity Shop section by section

How to work through The Old Curiosity Shop section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Old Curiosity Shop 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 Old Curiosity Shop

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Old Curiosity Shop, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Although
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Old Curiosity Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Night
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Old Curiosity Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Generally
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Old Curiosity Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Walking
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Old Curiosity Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.