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The Reason Why
The Reason Why

Chapter XXXVI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.
The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"
So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.
His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.
It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Reason Why

Chapter XXXVI

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.
Line 2
The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"
Line 3
So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.
Line 4
His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.
Line 5
It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.”

Except preposition US /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading “The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.”

Gasp noun US /ɡæsp/

a sudden sharp intake of breath

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.”

Party noun US /party/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Surprised noun US /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"”

All words in this reading · 104

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

anxiously

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

arrived

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

astonishment

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

betrothal

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

bitter

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

boy

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

case

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

changed

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

conceal

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

controlled

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

critically

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

dear

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

dinner

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

Dowager

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

Ethelrida's

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

eye

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

face

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

few

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

fiancés

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

gaspnounUS /ɡæsp/

a sudden sharp intake of breath

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

glanced

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

happy

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

heard

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

hearts

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

hope

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

indeed

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

Lady

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

minutes

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

more

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

mother

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

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

mother-in-law

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

older

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

ordinarily

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

partynounUS /party/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

perfectly

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

radiantly

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

resembled

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

said

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

saw

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

seen

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

set

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

stern

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

From this reading His face was perfectly set and stern, and he looked older.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

strain

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

surprisednounUS /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

Tancred

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

then

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

there

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

three

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

Tristram

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

try

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

two

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

very

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

voice

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

way

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

wedding

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

well

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

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

wonder

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

From this reading It was no wonder his mother should be surprised.

yes

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

From this reading So he was changed then--to the eye of one who had not seen him since the wedding--and Zara glanced at him critically, and saw that--yes, he was, indeed, changed.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The Dowager Lady Tancred arrived a few minutes after the party of three, and Zara heard her mother-in-law gasp, as she said, "Tristram, my dear boy!" and then she controlled the astonishment in her voice, and went on more ordinarily, but still a little anxiously, "I hope you are very well?"

Zara

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

From this reading The dinner for Ethelrida's betrothal resembled in no way the one for Zara and Tristram; for, except in those two hearts there was no bitter strain, and the fiancés in this case were radiantly happy, which they could not conceal, and did not try to.