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The Splendid Folly
The Splendid Folly

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of The Splendid Folly is here in full — 262 sentences across 53 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/52 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.
His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.
The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.
She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.
Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Splendid Folly

Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of The Splendid Folly is here in full — 262 sentences across 53 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/52 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.
Line 2
His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.
Line 3
The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.
Line 4
She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.
/ʃiː wɑːz ˈɡreɪtli rɪˈliːvd tuː dɪˈskʌvər ðæt ðə breɪk hæd ˈsɪmpləfaɪd ˈsevrəl ˈprɑːbləmz ənd meɪd ɪt mʌtʃ ˈiːziər fɔːr hɜːr tuː miːt hɜːr ˈhʌzbənd ənd bɪˈɡɪn laɪf əˈɡen ɑːn freʃ tɜːrmz/
Line 5
Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

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.

cloaked adjective US /kloʊkt/

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading “Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.”

figurative adjective US /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/

(used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech

From this reading “His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.”

fogs noun US /fɔːɡz/

plural of “fog” — droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading “His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.”

Lilac noun US /ˈlaɪlæk/

any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers

From this reading “The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.”

obediently adverb US /oʊˈbiːdiəntli/

in an obedient manner

From this reading “His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.”

prying noun US /ˈpraɪɪŋ/

offensive inquisitiveness

From this reading “Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.”

regime noun US /rəˈʒiːm/

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

simplified verb US /ˈsɪmpləfaɪd/

inflected form of “simplify” — make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent

From this reading “She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.”

All words in this reading · 122

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 His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

actionnounUS /ˈækʃən/

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

Baroni's

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

boundsnounUS /baʊndz/

the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

breakverbUS /breɪk/

terminate

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

Carlo

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

changeverbUS /tʃeɪndʒ/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

cloakedadjectiveUS /kloʊkt/

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

completeverbUS /kəmˈpliːt/

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

concertnounUS /ˈkɑːnsərt/

a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/

recognizable; marked

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

definitelyadverbUS /ˈdefənətli/

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

departedadjectiveUS /dɪˈpɑːrtɪd/

well in the past; former

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

DiananounUS /daɪˈænə/

English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

easieradjectiveUS /ˈiːziər/

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/

the state or fact of existing

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

facedadjectiveUS /feɪst/

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

figurativeadjectiveUS /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/

(used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

fogsnounUS /fɔːɡz/

plural of “fog” — droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

forgotverbUS /fərˈɡɑːt/

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

greatlyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪtli/

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

hurtverbUS /hɜːrt/

be the source of pain

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

husbandnounUS /ˈhʌzbənd/

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

Joan

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

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 THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

LilacnounUS /ˈlaɪlæk/

any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

LodgeverbUS /lɑːdʒ/

be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

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 His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

MaxnounUS /mæks/

street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

mockingadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːkɪŋ/

abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

obedientlyadverbUS /oʊˈbiːdiəntli/

in an obedient manner

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

OTHERadjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

packedadjectiveUS /pækt/

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

philosophynounUS /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

platformnounUS /ˈplætfɔːrm/

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

pryingnounUS /ˈpraɪɪŋ/

offensive inquisitiveness

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

regimenounUS /rəˈʒiːm/

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

rejoinedverbUS /riˈdʒɔɪnd/

past form of “rejoin” — join again

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

relievedadjectiveUS /rɪˈliːvd/

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

simplifiedverbUS /ˈsɪmpləfaɪd/

inflected form of “simplify” — make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

soulnounUS /soʊl/

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

sportsnounUS /spɔːrts/

plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

successfullyadverbUS /səkˈsesfəli/

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

SwitzerlandnounUS /ˈswɪtsərlənd/

a landlocked federal republic in central Europe

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

termsnounUS /tɜːrmz/

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading She was greatly relieved to discover that the break had simplified several problems and made it much easier for her to meet her husband and begin life again on fresh terms.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

threwverbUS /θruː/

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/

(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading The middle of February found them once more in England, and Joan rejoined her father, while Diana went back to Lilac Lodge.

winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading His first action was to order her away for a complete change and rest, so she and Joan obediently packed their trunks and departed to Switzerland, where they forgot for a time the existence of such things as London fogs, either real or figurative, and threw themselves heart and soul into the winter sports that were going forward.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Max, indeed, seemed to have accepted the new _regime_ with that same mocking philosophy with which he invariably faced the problems of life--and which so successfully cloaked his hurt from prying eyes.

WOMANnounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading THE OTHER WOMAN Carlo Baroni's joy knew no bounds when he understood that Diana had definitely decided to return to the concert platform.

Chapter 21 of The Splendid Folly by Margaret, -1948 Pedler holds 262 sentences, grouped into 53 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 21 of The Splendid Folly contain?

Chapter 21 holds 262 sentences of The Splendid Folly, unabridged, divided into 53 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 21 of The Splendid Folly by Margaret, -1948 Pedler exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 262 sentences, grouped into 53 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 21 of The Splendid Folly?

Work through the 53 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 53 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 21 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 21 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 Splendid Folly

Common questions about reading The Splendid Folly by Margaret, -1948 Pedler on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Splendid Folly?

Yes. All 5700 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #16427 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Splendid Folly is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #16427, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Splendid Folly take to read?

About 475 minutes of reading across 1140 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Splendid Folly section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 29 chapters of The Splendid Folly 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 Splendid Folly

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

March
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Splendid Folly; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Swirled
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Splendid Folly; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Boisterously
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Splendid Folly; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Grellingham
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Splendid Folly; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.