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The Summons
The Summons

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Summons is here in full — 178 sentences across 36 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/35 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.
It was Hillyard's second play.
His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.
"The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.
The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.
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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 Summons

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Summons is here in full — 178 sentences across 36 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/35 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.
Line 2
It was Hillyard's second play.
Line 3
His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.
Line 4
"The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.
/ðə dɑːrk ˈtaʊər wɑːz ə pleɪ ʌv ˈmɑːdərn deɪz bɪlt əˈpɑːn ðə ˈeɪn.ʃənt ˈpæʃənz/
Line 5
The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

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.

hoisted verb US /ˈhɔɪstəd/

past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading “The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.”

hushed adjective US /hʌʃt/

in a softened tone

From this reading “The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.”

limp verb US /lɪmp/

walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading “His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.”

playwrights noun US /ˈpleɪraɪts/

plural of “playwright” — someone who writes plays

From this reading “His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.”

Rubicon noun US /ˈruːbɪkɔːn/

the boundary in ancient times between Italy and Gaul; Caesar's crossing it with his army in 49 BC was an act of war

From this reading “MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.”

speculating verb US /ˈspekjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading “His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.”

stall noun US /stɔːl/

a compartment in a stable where a single animal is confined and fed

From this reading “The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.”

tier noun US /tiːr/

a relative position or degree of value in a graded group

From this reading “The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.”

All words in this reading · 93

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 MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

actverbUS /ækt/

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading "The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

applausenounUS /əˈplɔːz/

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

AprilnounUS /ˈeɪprəl/

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

autumnnounUS /ˈɔːtəm/

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

boxnounUS /bɑːks/

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading "The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

CharlesnounUS /tʃɑːrlz/

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

concernsnounUS /kənˈsɜːrnz/

plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

curtainnounUS /ˈkɜːrtən/

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

DarknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.

developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

divergencies

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

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

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

ESCOBAR

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

fallverbUS /fɔːl/

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

futureadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtʃər/

yet to be or coming

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

Hardiman

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

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

heavilyadverbUS /ˈhevəli/

to a considerable degree

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

Hillyard

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

Hillyard's

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

From this reading It was Hillyard's second play.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

hoistedverbUS /ˈhɔɪstəd/

past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

hushedadjectiveUS /hʌʃt/

in a softened tone

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

individualities

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was Hillyard's second play.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

JulynounUS /ˌdʒuːˈlaɪ/

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

knockingnounUS /ˈnɑːkɪŋ/

the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

LateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

limpverbUS /lɪmp/

walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

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 MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

managedverbUS /ˈmænədʒd/

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

MARIO

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

MartinnounUS /ˈmɑːrtən/

French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

modernadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading "The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.

namedverbUS /neɪmd/

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

Panton

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

passionsnounUS /ˈpæʃənz/

plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading "The Dark Tower" was a play of modern days, built upon the ancient passions.

playverbUS /pleɪ/

participate in games or sport

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

playedadjectiveUS /pleɪd/

(of games) engaged in

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

playwrightsnounUS /ˈpleɪraɪts/

plural of “playwright” — someone who writes plays

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

producedverbUS /prəˈduːst/

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

rattlingnounUS /ˈrætlɪŋ/

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

RubiconnounUS /ˈruːbɪkɔːn/

the boundary in ancient times between Italy and Gaul; Caesar's crossing it with his army in 49 BC was an act of war

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading It was Hillyard's second play.

SirnounUS /sɜːr/

term of address for a man

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

speculatingverbUS /ˈspekjəleɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

stallnounUS /stɔːl/

a compartment in a stable where a single animal is confined and fed

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

StreetnounUS /striːt/

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

TheatrenounUS /ˈθiːətər/

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

tiernounUS /tiːr/

a relative position or degree of value in a graded group

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

TowernounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The first act was played to a hushed house, and while the applause which greeted the fall of the curtain was still rattling about the walls of the theatre, Sir Charles Hardiman hoisted himself heavily out of his stall and made his way to a box on the first tier, which he entered without knocking.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading His first, produced in April of the same year, had just managed to limp into July; and that small world which concerns itself with the individualities of playwrights was speculating with its usual divergencies upon Hillyard's future development.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading MARIO ESCOBAR Late in the autumn of the following year a new play, written by Martin Hillyard and named "The Dark Tower," was produced at the Rubicon Theatre in Panton Street, London.

Chapter 2 of The Summons by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason holds 178 sentences, grouped into 36 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 2 of The Summons contain?

Chapter 2 holds 178 sentences of The Summons, unabridged, divided into 36 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Summons by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 178 sentences, grouped into 36 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 2 of The Summons?

Work through the 36 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 36 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Summons

Common questions about reading The Summons by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Summons?

Yes. All 7685 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #16381 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Summons is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #16381, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Summons take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1537 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Summons section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of The Summons 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 Summons

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

Entrance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Summons; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hardiman's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Summons; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Party
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Summons; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wrinkle
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Summons; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.