Chapter 4 of The Seven Ages of Woman is here in full — 398 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.
Chapter IV
Chapter 4 of The Seven Ages of Woman is here in full — 398 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side. "What funny flowers!" Mary exclaimed. "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ... Fawcus ...
Chapter 4 of The Seven Ages of Woman is here in full — 398 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/79 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
a line of approach
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
past form of “bloom” — produce or yield flowers
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
cut or trimmed by clipping
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading “"What funny flowers!"”
plural of “lime” — a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
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.
street that serves as a principal thoroughfare for traffic in a town
In this reading “Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.”
In this reading “"They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...”
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.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
later than; following
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
on or to one side
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
a line of approach
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
past form of “bloom” — produce or yield flowers
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
cut or trimmed by clipping
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
one or the other of two
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading Mary exclaimed.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fawcus ...
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading "What funny flowers!"
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading "What funny flowers!"
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
plural of “lime” — a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
most important element
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
up to a particular time
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What funny flowers!"
in or at the place that
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Mary was silent after this until the _fiacre_ took them beyond the main street into an avenue of clipped acacias and limes, from which they turned aside through wide paths into a curved drive where hydrangeas bloomed in the beds on either side.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading "They're like the little woman in a house Uncle ...
Chapter 4 of The Seven Ages of Woman by Compton MacKenzie holds 398 sentences, grouped into 80 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.
Chapter 4 holds 398 sentences of The Seven Ages of Woman, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 4 of The Seven Ages of Woman by Compton MacKenzie exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 398 sentences, grouped into 80 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.
Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 80 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.
Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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.
Common questions about reading The Seven Ages of Woman by Compton MacKenzie on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 4474 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #66071 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #66071, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 372 minutes of reading across 895 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through The Seven Ages of Woman section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 11 chapters of The Seven Ages of Woman to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in The Seven Ages of Woman, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
