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The Silent Barrier
The Silent Barrier

Chapter III

Chapter 3 of The Silent Barrier is here in full — 366 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Silent Barrier
Context Illustration Reading 1/73 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.
He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.
Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.
Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.
They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Silent Barrier

Chapter III

Chapter 3 of The Silent Barrier is here in full — 366 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/73 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.
Line 2
He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.
/hiː faʊnd ə ɡʊd diːl ʌv ˈkwaɪət fʌn ɪn ˈnoʊtɪŋ hɜːr ˈænəmeɪtɪd ɪkˈspreʃən ənd ˈbɪznɪslaɪk er/
Line 3
Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.
Line 4
Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.
/ˈspensər æt wʌns səˈspektɪd ðə mænz ˈmoʊtɪvz nɑːt wɪˈθaʊt fer kɑːz/
Line 5
They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.
/ðeɪ wɜːr hiː θɔːt æz pleɪn tuː hɪm æz ðeɪ wɜːr ˈhɪdən frʌm ðə ɡɜːrl/

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.

asset noun US /ˈæset/

a useful or valuable quality

From this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

businesslike adjective US /ˈbɪznɪslaɪk/

exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business

From this reading “He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.”

Mackenzie noun US /məˈkenzi/

Canadian explorer (born in England) who explored the Mackenzie River and who was first to cross North America by land north of Mexico (1764-1820)

From this reading “WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.”

noting verb US /ˈnoʊtɪŋ/

-ing form of “note” — make mention of

From this reading “He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.”

outlay noun US /ˈaʊtleɪ/

the act of spending or disbursing money

From this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

Spencer noun US /ˈspensər/

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading “WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.”

strolling verb US /ˈstroʊlɪŋ/

-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

witnessing verb US /ˈwɪtnəsɪŋ/

-ing form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading “WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.”

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.

caught sight verb + noun counted as “catch sight”

see something for a brief time

In this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

two hundred noun + noun

being ten more than one hundred ninety

In this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

at once preposition + adverb

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

In this reading “Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.”

along the platform preposition + article + noun counted as “along … platform”

In this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

knew exactly verb + particle counted as “know exactly”

In this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

of course preposition + noun

as might be expected

In this reading “WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.”

easy confidence adjective + noun

In this reading “Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.”

deal of verb + particle

In this reading “He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.”

All words in this reading · 101

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 He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

ACQUAINTEDadjectiveUS /əˈkweɪntɪd/

having fair knowledge of

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

airnounUS /er/

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

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/

having life or vigor or spirit

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

assetnounUS /ˈæset/

a useful or valuable quality

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

awareadjectiveUS /əˈwer/

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

BECOMEverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

BETTERadjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

BowernounUS /ˈbaʊər/

a framework that supports climbing plants

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

businesslikeadjectiveUS /ˈbɪznɪslaɪk/

exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

caughtverbUS /kɑːt/

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

causenounUS /kɑːz/

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

dealverbUS /diːl/

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

departurenounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/

the act of departing

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

easyadjectiveUS /ˈiːzi/

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

elevenadjectiveUS /ɪˈlevən/

being one more than ten

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

exactlyadverbUS /ɪɡˈzæktli/

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

excusedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzd/

granted exemption

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/

the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

fairadjectiveUS /fer/

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

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

funnounUS /fʌn/

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

girlnounUS /ɡɜːrl/

a young female

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

harmnounUS /hɑːrm/

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/

not accessible to view

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

how

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/

ten 10s

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

knewverbUS /nuː/

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

MackenzienounUS /məˈkenzi/

Canadian explorer (born in England) who explored the Mackenzie River and who was first to cross North America by land north of Mexico (1764-1820)

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

man'snounUS /mænz/

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

MissverbUS /mɪs/

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

notingverbUS /ˈnoʊtɪŋ/

-ing form of “note” — make mention of

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

novelnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/

according to the clock

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

outlaynounUS /ˈaʊtleɪ/

the act of spending or disbursing money

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

PEOPLEnounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

piecenounUS /piːs/

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

plainadjectiveUS /pleɪn/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

platformnounUS /ˈplætfɔːrm/

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

poundsnounUS /paʊndz/

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading He found a good deal of quiet fun in noting her animated expression and businesslike air.

sawverbUS /sɔː/

cut with a saw

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

SpencernounUS /ˈspensər/

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

strollingverbUS /ˈstroʊlɪŋ/

-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/

the environmental condition

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

suspectedadjectiveUS /səˈspektɪd/

believed likely

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

ThursdaynounUS /ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/

the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

trainverbUS /treɪn/

create by training and teaching

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

TWOnounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

unbidden

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading They were, he thought, as plain to him as they were hidden from the girl.

WHEREIN

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

whole-souledadjective

with unconditional and enthusiastic devotion

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Her whole-souled enjoyment of novel surroundings was an asset for the outlay of his two hundred pounds, and he had fully and finally excused that piece of extravagance until he caught sight of Bower strolling along the platform with the easy confidence of one who knew exactly whom he would meet and how he would account for his unbidden presence.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Spencer at once suspected the man's motives, not without fair cause.

witnessingverbUS /ˈwɪtnəsɪŋ/

-ing form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

Wynton

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

From this reading WHEREIN TWO PEOPLE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED Mackenzie, of course, was aware that Miss Wynton would leave London by the eleven o'clock train on Thursday, and Spencer saw no harm in witnessing her departure.

Chapter 3 of The Silent Barrier by Louis Tracy holds 366 sentences, grouped into 74 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 3 of The Silent Barrier contain?

Chapter 3 holds 366 sentences of The Silent Barrier, unabridged, divided into 74 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of The Silent Barrier by Louis Tracy exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 366 sentences, grouped into 74 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 3 of The Silent Barrier?

Work through the 74 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 74 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 3 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 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 Silent Barrier

Common questions about reading The Silent Barrier by Louis Tracy on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Silent Barrier?

Yes. All 5716 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #31635 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Silent Barrier is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #31635, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Silent Barrier take to read?

About 476 minutes of reading across 1144 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Silent Barrier section by section

How to work through The Silent Barrier section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of The Silent Barrier 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 Silent Barrier

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Silent Barrier, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Arrived
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Silent Barrier; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Charles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Silent Barrier; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Spencer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Silent Barrier; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Letter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Silent Barrier; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.