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The Red Cockade
The Red Cockade

Chapter III

Cover illustration for The Red Cockade
Context Illustration Reading 1/54 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
IN THE ASSEMBLY.
The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.
But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.
Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.
When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Red Cockade

Chapter III

Reading 1/54 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
IN THE ASSEMBLY.
Line 2
The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.
Line 3
But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.
Line 4
Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.
Line 5
When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

Learner Dictionary

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

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Honest adjective US /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Melting noun US /ˈmelting/

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

From this reading “Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Remember verb US /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

Whatever determiner US /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading “But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.”

All words in this reading · 103

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 Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

accompanied

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

almost

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

anew

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

ASSEMBLY

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

From this reading IN THE ASSEMBLY.

assuage

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

back

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

bade

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

blow

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

cause

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

close

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

complain

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

distance

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

door

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

end

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

entering

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

felt

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

floor

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

friend

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

gave

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

grounds

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

held

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

horror

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

impossible

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading IN THE ASSEMBLY.

instantly

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

insult

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

interpose

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

kind

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

kindness

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

led

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

Louis

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

made

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

MeltingnounUS /ˈmelting/

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

moment

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

more

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

most

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

muttering

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

opened

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

other

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

others

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

outer

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

pass

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

put

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

quickly

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

ran

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

repentance

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

repented

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

return

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

surprise

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

suspect

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

task

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading IN THE ASSEMBLY.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

tool

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

turned

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

usher

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

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When the usher held it for me to pass, I bade him close it, and, to Louis' surprise, turned, and, muttering something, ran back.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The blow, and the insult with which he accompanied it, put an end for the moment to my repentance.

withhold

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.

world

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

worst

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

From this reading Melting quickly, melting almost instantly, I felt with a kind of horror that if kindness alone had led him to interpose, I had made him the worst return in the world; in fine, before the outer door could be opened to us, I repented anew.

wrath

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

From this reading But short as was the distance across the floor from the one door to the other, it gave me time to think again; to remember that this was Louis; and that whatever cause I had had to complain of him, whatever grounds to suspect that he was the tool of others, no friend could have done more to assuage my wrath, nor the most honest more to withhold me from entering on an impossible task.