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The Rim of the Desert
The Rim of the Desert

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Rim of the Desert is here in full — 83 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Rim of the Desert
Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.
So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.
She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.
The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.
"I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."
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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 Rim of the Desert

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Rim of the Desert is here in full — 83 sentences across 17 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.
Line 2
So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.
Line 3
She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.
/ʃiː wɑːz nɑːt ˈteɪkɪŋ ðə ˈɜːrli treɪn wɪð hɜːr ˈhʌzbənd ʃiː dɪˈzaɪərd tuː breɪk ðə lɔːŋ ˈdʒɜːrni ənd ˈæftər ðə ˈsiːzən ɪn ðə nɔːrθ prəˈlɔːŋ ðə ˈvɪzɪt wɪð hɜːr ˈrelətɪvz ɪn siˈætəl/
Line 4
The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.
Line 5
"I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."
/aɪ æm ˈɡoʊɪŋ daʊn tuː siː juː əˈweɪ ʃiː ɪkˈspleɪnd ðɪs sɔːlt briːz wɪð ðə ˈmɔːrnɪŋ taɪd ɪz soʊ dɪˈlaɪtfəli freʃ/

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.

accumulating verb US /əˈkjuːmjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “accumulate” — get or gather together

From this reading “THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.”

avalanche noun US /ˈævəlæntʃ/

a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain

From this reading “THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.”

delegate verb US /ˈdeləɡeɪt/

transfer power to someone

From this reading “The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.”

impetus noun US /ˈɪmpətəs/

a force that moves something along

From this reading “So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.”

limousine noun US /ˈlɪməziːn/

large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur

From this reading “The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.”

menaced verb US /ˈmenəst/

past form of “menace” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading “So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.”

momentum noun US /moʊˈmentəm/

an impelling force or strength

From this reading “THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.”

Seattle noun US /siˈætəl/

a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington

From this reading “She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

accumulatingverbUS /əˈkjuːmjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “accumulate” — get or gather together

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

avalanchenounUS /ˈævəlæntʃ/

a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

becomesverbUS /bɪˈkʌmz/

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

breakverbUS /breɪk/

terminate

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

breakfastverbUS /ˈbrekfəst/

eat an early morning meal

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

breezenounUS /briːz/

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

carnounUS /kɑːr/

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

crossverbUS /krɔːs/

travel across or pass over

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

currentnounUS /ˈkɜːrənt/

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

delegateverbUS /ˈdeləɡeɪt/

transfer power to someone

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

delightfullyadverbUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəli/

in a delightful manner

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

desiredadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪərd/

wanted intensely

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

destructionnounUS /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

dining-roomnoun

a room used for dining

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

eventuallyadverbUS /ɪˈventʃəwəli/

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

explainedverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnd/

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

Feversham

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

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

finishedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪnɪʃt/

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

gatheringnounUS /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

haltingadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/

disabled in the feet or legs

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

hurriedadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːrid/

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

impelledadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpeld/

urged or forced to action through moral pressure

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

impetusnounUS /ˈɪmpətəs/

a force that moves something along

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/

impossible to resist; overpowering

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

journeyverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrni/

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

limousinenounUS /ˈlɪməziːn/

large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

Marcia

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

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

menacedverbUS /ˈmenəst/

past form of “menace” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

momentumnounUS /moʊˈmentəm/

an impelling force or strength

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

Morganstein

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

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

northnounUS /nɔːrθ/

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

occasionedverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənd/

past form of “occasion” — give occasion to

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

prolongverbUS /prəˈlɔːŋ/

lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

QUESTIONverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

saltnounUS /sɔːlt/

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

seasonnounUS /ˈsiːzən/

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

SeattlenounUS /siˈætəl/

a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

servedverbUS /sɜːrvd/

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

sleepingnounUS /ˈsliːpɪŋ/

the state of being asleep

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

slidingadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪdɪŋ/

being a smooth continuous motion

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

slightnounUS /slaɪt/

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

slopenounUS /sloʊp/

an elevated geological formation

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

snow-cap

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

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

SometimeadverbUS /ˈsʌmtaɪm/

at some indefinite or unstated time

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

startsnounUS /stɑːrts/

plural of “start” — the beginning of anything

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

surprisenounUS /sərˈpraɪz/

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

swiftadjectiveUS /swɪft/

moving very fast

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

tidenounUS /taɪd/

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

Tisdale

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

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

trainverbUS /treɪn/

create by training and teaching

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

tremornounUS /ˈtremər/

an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)

From this reading THE QUESTION Sometime, high on a mountain slope, a cross current of air, or perhaps a tremor of the surface occasioned far off, starts the small snow-cap, that sliding, halting, impelled forward again, always accumulating, gathering momentum, finally becomes the irresistible avalanche.

visitverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

waitingnounUS /ˈweɪtɪŋ/

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She was not taking the early train with her husband; she desired to break the long journey and, after the season in the north, prolong the visit with her relatives in Seattle.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The delegate had left her sleeping, but when he had finished the light breakfast served him alone in the Morganstein dining-room and hurried out to the waiting limousine, to his surprise he found her in the car.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading So Marcia Feversham, the following morning, gave the first slight impetus to the question that eventually menaced Tisdale with swift destruction.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I am going down to see you away," she explained; "this salt breeze with the morning tide is so delightfully fresh."

Chapter 2 of The Rim of the Desert by Ada Woodruff Anderson holds 83 sentences, grouped into 17 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 2 of The Rim of the Desert contain?

Chapter 2 holds 83 sentences of The Rim of the Desert, unabridged, divided into 17 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Rim of the Desert by Ada Woodruff Anderson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 83 sentences, grouped into 17 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 2 of The Rim of the Desert?

Work through the 17 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 17 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Rim of the Desert

Common questions about reading The Rim of the Desert by Ada Woodruff Anderson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Rim of the Desert?

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Which edition of The Rim of the Desert is used?

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

How long does The Rim of the Desert take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in The Rim of the Desert

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Rim of the Desert, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The Rim of the Desert, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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