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The shears of destiny
The shears of destiny

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of The shears of destiny is here in full — 293 sentences across 59 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.
Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?
He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.
Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.
Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The shears of destiny

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of The shears of destiny is here in full — 293 sentences across 59 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/58 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.
Line 2
Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?
Line 3
He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.
Line 4
Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.
Line 5
Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.
/ˌwʌˈtevər ðə ˈdeɪndʒər tuː hɪmˈself hiː wʊd traɪ fɔːr ðæt ˈslendər tʃæns/

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.

consult verb US /kənˈsʌlt/

get or ask advice from

From this reading “Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.”

deserting verb US /ˈdezərtɪŋ/

-ing form of “desert” — leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading “He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.”

direst adjective US /ˈdaɪrəst/

superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading “He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.”

equivalent noun US /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading “He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.”

evening's noun US /ˈiːvnɪŋz/

possessive form of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

evolve verb US /ɪˈvɑːlv/

work out

From this reading “Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.”

revolutionists noun US /ˌrevəˈluːʃənɪsts/

plural of “revolutionist” — a radical supporter of political or social revolution

From this reading “He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.”

uncle's noun US /ˈʌŋkəlz/

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

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.

few minutes adjective + noun

In this reading “THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.”

direst need adjective + noun counted as “dire need”

In this reading “He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.”

minor matter adjective + noun

In this reading “Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?”

at liberty preposition + noun

In this reading “Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.”

All words in this reading · 90

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 LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

Berloff

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

CARDnounUS /kɑːrd/

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

chancenounUS /tʃæns/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

communicationnounUS /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃən/

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

consultverbUS /kənˈsʌlt/

get or ask advice from

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.

desertingverbUS /ˈdezərtɪŋ/

-ing form of “desert” — leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

direstadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪrəst/

superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

Drexel

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

equivalentnounUS /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

evening'snounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/

possessive form of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

evolveverbUS /ɪˈvɑːlv/

work out

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

harrowed

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

HotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

LASTadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

misfortunenounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃən/

unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

neednounUS /niːd/

a condition requiring relief

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

planverbUS /plæn/

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

prisonersnounUS /ˈprɪzənərz/

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

revolutionistsnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃənɪsts/

plural of “revolutionist” — a radical supporter of political or social revolution

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

Sabatoff

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

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

safeadjectiveUS /seɪf/

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

savedadjectiveUS /seɪvd/

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

slenderadjectiveUS /ˈslendər/

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

slippedverbUS /slɪpt/

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

Sonya

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

tryverbUS /traɪ/

make an effort or attempt

From this reading Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.

turnedadjectiveUS /tɜːrnd/

moved around an axis or center

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

Valenko

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

From this reading THE LAST CARD Drexel turned from the Valenko mansion a few minutes before Berloff and his party entered it.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

WhateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/

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

From this reading Whatever the danger to himself, he would try for that slender chance.

whereby

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

From this reading Sabatoff was still at liberty; if they two could consult there was a chance, slender to be sure, but still a chance, that they could evolve some plan whereby Sonya and the other prisoners might be saved.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

whitheradverbUS /ˈwɪðər/

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading Though harrowed by the evening’s misfortune, there was a minor matter of which he had to think as he slipped cautiously away--whither should he take himself?

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He could return to the Hotel Europe, and there be safe, if he but kept near his uncle’s family and had no communication with the revolutionists; but this would be equivalent to deserting Sonya, and deserting her in the hour of her direst need.

Chapter 24 of The shears of destiny by Leroy Scott holds 293 sentences, grouped into 59 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 24 of The shears of destiny contain?

Chapter 24 holds 293 sentences of The shears of destiny, unabridged, divided into 59 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 24 of The shears of destiny by Leroy Scott exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 293 sentences, grouped into 59 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 24 of The shears of destiny?

Work through the 59 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 59 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 24 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 24 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 shears of destiny

Common questions about reading The shears of destiny by Leroy Scott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The shears of destiny?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The shears of destiny is used?

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

How long does The shears of destiny take to read?

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

How to read The shears of destiny section by section

How to work through The shears of destiny section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  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 shears of destiny

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

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