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The Romance of a Shop
The Romance of a Shop

Chapter VII

Chapter 7 of The Romance of a Shop is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
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A NEW CUSTOMER.
_Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.
Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.
The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.
Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Romance of a Shop

Chapter VII

Chapter 7 of The Romance of a Shop is here in full — 139 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
A NEW CUSTOMER.
/ə nuː ˈkʌstəmər/
Line 2
_Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.
Line 3
Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.
Line 4
The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.
Line 5
Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

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.

displaying verb US /dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

furtively adverb US /ˈfɜːrtɪvli/

in a furtive manner

From this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

Interchange noun US /ˌɪntərˈtʃeɪndʒ/

a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams

From this reading “_Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.”

manipulation noun US /məˌnɪpjəˈleɪʃən/

exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

From this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

ornamental noun US /ˌɔːrnəˈmentəl/

any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value

From this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

prints noun US /prɪnts/

plural of “print” — the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

strayed verb US /streɪd/

past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

trimming noun US /ˈtrɪmɪŋ/

the act of adding decoration

From this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

duly impressed adverb + adjective

In this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

black gown adjective + noun

In this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

took possession verb + noun counted as “take possession”

In this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

pleasant prospect adjective + noun

In this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

head bent noun + noun

In this reading “The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.”

looked up verb + adjective counted as “look up”

seek information from

In this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

NEW CUSTOMER adjective + noun

In this reading “A NEW CUSTOMER.”

in the direction preposition + article + noun counted as “in … direction”

In this reading “Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 A NEW CUSTOMER.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

apartmentnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənt/

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

asideadverbUS /əˈsaɪd/

on or to one side

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

BeautynounUS /ˈbjuːti/

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

bellnounUS /bel/

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

bentnounUS /bent/

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

business-like

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

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

chairsnounUS /tʃerz/

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

charmingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋ/

pleasing or delighting

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

CLOUGH

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

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/

past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

CUSTOMERnounUS /ˈkʌstəmər/

someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading A NEW CUSTOMER.

deftnessnoun

skillful performance or ability without difficulty

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

directionnounUS /dərˈekʃən/

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

displayingverbUS /dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

engagedadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒd/

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

fairadjectiveUS /fer/

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

followedverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊd/

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

frameverbUS /freɪm/

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

FrankadjectiveUS /fræŋk/

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

furtivelyadverbUS /ˈfɜːrtɪvli/

in a furtive manner

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

Gertrude

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

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

girlsnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

glanceverbUS /ɡlæns/

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

gownnounUS /ɡaʊn/

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

gracenounUS /ɡreɪs/

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

HnounUS /eɪtʃ/

a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

hollandnounUS /ˈhɑːlənd/

a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

impressedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprest/

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

InterchangenounUS /ˌɪntərˈtʃeɪndʒ/

a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

Jermyn

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

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

lawnounUS /lɔː/

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

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 Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

lovelier

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

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

LucynounUS /ˈluːsi/

incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

manipulationnounUS /məˌnɪpjəˈleɪʃən/

exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

NeitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

NEWadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading A NEW CUSTOMER.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

ornamentalnounUS /ˌɔːrnəˈmentəl/

any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

passagenounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

Phyllis

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

picturenounUS /ˈpɪktʃər/

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

pinaforenoun

a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

possessionnounUS /pəˈzeʃən/

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

printsnounUS /prɪnts/

plural of “print” — the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

prospectnounUS /ˈprɑːspekt/

the possibility of future success

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

re-touching

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

red-legged

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

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

renderedverbUS /ˈrendərd/

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

ringingnounUS /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

smoothadjectiveUS /smuːð/

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

StatelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/

impressive in appearance

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

strayedverbUS /streɪd/

past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

studionounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/

workplace for the teaching or practice of an art

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _Stately is service accepted, but lovelier service rendered, Interchange of service the law and condition of Beauty._ A. H. CLOUGH.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

trimmingnounUS /ˈtrɪmɪŋ/

the act of adding decoration

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

Virginia-cork

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

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

waiting-room

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

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Frank Jermyn, whom we have left ringing at the bell, followed Gertrude down the Virginia-cork passage into the waiting-room.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The curtains between this apartment and the studio were drawn aside, displaying a charming picture--Lucy, in her black gown and holland pinafore, her fair, smooth head bent over the re-touching frame; Phyllis, at an ornamental table, engaged in trimming prints, with great deftness and grace of manipulation.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Neither of the girls looked up from her work, and Frank took possession of one of the red-legged chairs, duly impressed with the business-like nature of the occasion; although, indeed, it must be confessed that his glance strayed furtively now and then in the direction of the studio and its pleasant prospect.

Chapter 7 of The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy holds 139 sentences, grouped into 28 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 7 of The Romance of a Shop contain?

Chapter 7 holds 139 sentences of The Romance of a Shop, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 139 sentences, grouped into 28 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 7 of The Romance of a Shop?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Romance of a Shop

Common questions about reading The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Romance of a Shop?

Yes. All 2747 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #57447 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Romance of a Shop is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #57447, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Romance of a Shop take to read?

About 228 minutes of reading across 550 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Romance of a Shop section by section

How to work through The Romance of a Shop section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of The Romance of a Shop to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Romance of a Shop

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

Romance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Romance of a Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fortune
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Romance of a Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wheel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Romance of a Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lower
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Romance of a Shop; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.