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The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2
The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 is here in full — 420 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2
Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.
He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.
And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.
But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?
At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.
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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 Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 is here in full — 420 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.
Line 2
He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.
Line 3
And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.
Line 4
But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?
Line 5
At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.
/æt ðɪs θɔːt ðə jʌŋ mæn rɪˈtɜːrnd tuː hɪz ˈlɪtəl ruːm ɪkˈspɪriənsɪŋ ə veɪɡ ˈfiːlɪŋ ʌv ʃeɪm æz hiː ˈriːəlaɪzd ðæt hɪz ˈprezəns wɑːz ˈjuːsləs ənd ˈiːvɪn ə ˈtraɪfəl rɪˈdɪkjələs/

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.

concession noun US /kənˈseʃən/

a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business

From this reading “But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?”

experiencing verb US /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪŋ/

-ing form of “experience” — undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading “At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.”

precautions noun US /priˈkɔːʃənz/

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading “And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.”

prejudices noun US /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/

plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading “But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?”

realised adjective US /ˈriːəlaɪzd/

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading “At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.”

resounding adjective US /riˈsaʊndɪŋ/

characterized by resonance

From this reading “And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.”

scramble verb US /ˈskræmbəl/

to move hurriedly

From this reading “He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.”

teachings noun US /ˈtiːtʃɪŋz/

plural of “teaching” — the profession of a teacher

From this reading “And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.”

All words in this reading · 115

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 And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

amazedadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzd/

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/

from appearances alone

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

behaviournounUS /bɪˈheɪvjər/

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

bewilderedadjectiveUS /bɪˈwɪldərd/

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

carelessadjectiveUS /ˈkerləs/

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/

the state of being certain

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

chancenounUS /tʃæns/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

charitynounUS /ˈtʃerɪti/

a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

concessionnounUS /kənˈseʃən/

a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

contemptnounUS /kənˈtempt/

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

cureverbUS /kjʊr/

provide a cure for, make healthy again

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

doctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

experiencingverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪŋ/

-ing form of “experience” — undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

extraordinaryadjectiveUS /ˌekstrəˈɔːrdəneri/

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

Ferrand

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

HeavennounUS /ˈhevən/

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

journeyverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrni/

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

lawsnounUS /lɔːz/

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

lieverbUS /laɪ/

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

listenedverbUS /ˈlɪsənd/

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

medicaladjectiveUS /ˈmedəkəl/

relating to the study or practice of medicine

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/

leave undone or leave out

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/

plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

previousadjectiveUS /ˈpriːviəs/

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

resoundingadjectiveUS /riˈsaʊndɪŋ/

characterized by resonance

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

ridiculousadjectiveUS /rɪˈdɪkjələs/

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

rushingnounUS /ˈrʌʃɪŋ/

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

schoolnounUS /skuːl/

an educational institution

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

sciencenounUS /ˈsaɪəns/

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

scrambleverbUS /ˈskræmbəl/

to move hurriedly

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

shamenounUS /ʃeɪm/

a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

sufferingnounUS /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/

a state of acute pain

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

superveneverb

take place as an additional or unexpected development

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

teachingsnounUS /ˈtiːtʃɪŋz/

plural of “teaching” — the profession of a teacher

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

triflenounUS /ˈtraɪfəl/

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

upsetverbUS /əpˈset/

disturb the balance or stability of

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

uselessadjectiveUS /ˈjuːsləs/

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

vagueadjectiveUS /veɪɡ/

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading Ferrand looked and listened, quite bewildered by the extraordinary behaviour of the people amongst whom he had been thrown by chance since the previous day.

whynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading But if this were the case, what was the use of that last concession to human prejudices--why engage a doctor for the journey if none were wanted?

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading And, as a medical man of the new school, he was altogether upset by the careless neglect of precautions, the contempt which was shown for the most simple teachings of science, in the certainty which was apparently felt that, if Heaven should so will it, cure would supervene, sudden and resounding, like a lie given to the very laws of nature.

wretchednessnoun

a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading He who did not believe, who was only present out of friendship and charity, was amazed at this extraordinary scramble of wretchedness and suffering rushing towards the hope of happiness.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading At this thought the young man returned to his little room, experiencing a vague feeling of shame as he realised that his presence was useless, and even a trifle ridiculous.

Chapter 2 of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 by Émile Zola holds 420 sentences, grouped into 84 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 Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 contain?

Chapter 2 holds 420 sentences of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2, unabridged, divided into 84 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 by Émile Zola exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 420 sentences, grouped into 84 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 Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2?

Work through the 84 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 84 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 Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2

Common questions about reading The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 by Émile Zola on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2?

Yes. All 1690 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #8512 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #8512, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 take to read?

About 140 minutes of reading across 338 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 section by section

How to work through The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 4 chapters of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2 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 Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Volume
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Twenty
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Minutes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Three
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.