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The Parisians — Volume 12
The Parisians — Volume 12

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12 is here in full — 105 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.
She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.
It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.
It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.
But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Parisians — Volume 12

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12 is here in full — 105 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.
Line 2
She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.
Line 3
It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.
Line 4
It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.
Line 5
But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

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.

comprised verb US /kəmˈpraɪzd/

past form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading “While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.”

destitution noun US /ˈdestətuːʃən/

a state without friends or money or prospects

From this reading “She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.”

faring verb US /ˈferiŋ/

-ing form of “fare” — proceed or get along

From this reading “While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.”

feasting noun US /ˈfiːstɪŋ/

eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment)

From this reading “While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.”

foresight noun US /ˈfɔːrsaɪt/

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading “But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.”

inexhaustible adjective US /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbəl/

that cannot be entirely consumed or used up

From this reading “While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.”

peas noun US /piːz/

plural of “pea” — seed of a pea plant used for food

From this reading “While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.”

retaining verb US /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “retain” — hold back within

From this reading “But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.”

All words in this reading · 118

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

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/

not being in a specified place

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

acuteadjectiveUS /əˈkjuːt/

having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/

a quantity of money

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

Anglais

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/

a formal public statement

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

apparentadjectiveUS /əˈperənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

assnounUS /æs/

the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

billnounUS /bɪl/

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

Breze

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

broughtverbUS /brɔːt/

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

cafenounUS /kəˈfeɪ/

a small restaurant where drinks and snacks are sold

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

centnounUS /sent/

a fractional monetary unit of several countries

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

champagnenounUS /ʃæmˈpeɪn/

a white sparkling wine either produced in Champagne or resembling that produced there

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

Cicogna

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

comprisedverbUS /kəmˈpraɪzd/

past form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

currentnounUS /ˈkɜːrənt/

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

DenounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

destitutionnounUS /ˈdestətuːʃən/

a state without friends or money or prospects

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

dreamingnounUS /ˈdriːmɪŋ/

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

escapedadjectiveUS /ɪˈskeɪpt/

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

expensesnounUS /ɪkˈspensəz/

plural of “expense” — amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

extremeadjectiveUS /ekˈstriːm/

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

faminenounUS /ˈfæmən/

an acute insufficiency

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

farenounUS /fer/

an agenda of things to do

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

faringverbUS /ˈferiŋ/

-ing form of “fare” — proceed or get along

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

feastingnounUS /ˈfiːstɪŋ/

eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment)

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

foresightnounUS /ˈfɔːrsaɪt/

providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

fortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

friedadjectiveUS /fraɪd/

cooked by frying in fat

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

friendsnounUS /frendz/

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/

provide with a combustible substance that provides energy

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

groupnounUS /ɡruːp/

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

hithertoadverbUS /ˈhɪðɜːrˈtuː/

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

hostnounUS /hoʊst/

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

immediatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːətli/

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

inexhaustibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbəl/

that cannot be entirely consumed or used up

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

insistedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstəd/

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

investedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəd/

past form of “invest” — make an investment

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

Isaura

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

Isaura's

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

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

laidadjectiveUS /leɪd/

set down according to a plan

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

Louvier

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

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

luxuriesnounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəriz/

plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

mulenounUS /mjuːl/

hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/

of an obscure nature

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

peasnounUS /piːz/

plural of “pea” — seed of a pea plant used for food

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

perprepositionUS /pɜːr/

for each

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

potatoesnounUS /pəˈteɪtoʊz/

plural of “potato” — an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

probabilitynounUS /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪlətiː/

a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/

a stock or supply of foods

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

retainingverbUS /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “retain” — hold back within

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

richeradjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃər/

comparative of “rich” — possessing material wealth

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

romanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

roomsnounUS /ruːmz/

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

savingsnounUS /ˈseɪvɪŋz/

a fund of money put by as a reserve

From this reading It was true that in that street the Venosta, dreaming of cent. per cent., had invested all her savings.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

siegenounUS /siːdʒ/

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

storesnounUS /stɔːrz/

plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

streetnounUS /striːt/

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

sufficeverbUS /səˈfaɪs/

be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

sumnounUS /sʌm/

a quantity of money

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true that Isaura's fortune placed in the hands of the absent Louvier, and invested in the new street that was to have been, brought no return.

Venosta

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

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

warnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading She and the Venosta had hitherto escaped the extreme destitution to which many richer persons had been reduced.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading While De Breze and his friends were feasting at the cafe Anglais, and faring better than the host had promised--for the bill of fare comprised such luxuries as ass, mule, peas, fried potatoes, and champagne (champagne in some mysterious way was inexhaustible during the time of famine)--a very different group had assembled in the rooms of Isaura Cicogna.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading But the Venosta, at the first announcement of war, had insisted on retaining in hand a small sum from the amount Isaura had received from her "_roman_," that might suffice for current expenses, and with yet more acute foresight had laid in stores of provisions and fuel immediately after the probability of a siege became apparent.

Chapter 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton holds 105 sentences, grouped into 21 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12 contain?

Chapter 3 holds 105 sentences of The Parisians — Volume 12, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 105 sentences, grouped into 21 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 3 of The Parisians — Volume 12?

Work through the 21 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 21 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 3 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 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 Parisians — Volume 12

Common questions about reading The Parisians — Volume 12 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Parisians — Volume 12?

Yes. All 1627 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7748 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Parisians — Volume 12 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7748, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Parisians — Volume 12 take to read?

About 135 minutes of reading across 326 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Parisians — Volume 12 section by section

How to work through The Parisians — Volume 12 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in The Parisians — Volume 12

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Parisians — Volume 12, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Closed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Parisians — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Success
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Parisians — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Parisian
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Parisians — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sortie
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Parisians — Volume 12; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.