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The Tinder-Box
The Tinder-Box

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Tinder-Box is here in full — 140 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.
Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.
I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.
First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.
I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.
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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 Tinder-Box

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Tinder-Box is here in full — 140 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.
Line 2
Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.
Line 3
I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.
Line 4
First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.
Line 5
I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.
/aɪ wɑːz ˈfræŋkli əˈfekʃənət ənd ɪt meɪd hɪm səˈspɪʃəs ʌv miː/

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.

ancestral adjective US /ænˈsestrəl/

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading “Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.”

Astor noun US /ˈæstər/

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading “I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.”

bloodless adjective US /ˈblʌdləs/

destitute of blood or apparently so

From this reading “Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.”

citizenship noun US /ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/

the status of a citizen with rights and duties

From this reading “First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.”

determinedly adverb US /dəˈtɜːrmənədli/

with determination; in a determined manner

From this reading “THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.”

jeweled adjective US /ˈdʒuː.əld/

Adorned or decorated with precious gems, diamonds, and emeralds.

From this reading “First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.”

operated verb US /ˈɑːpəreɪtəd/

past form of “operate” — direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.

From this reading “Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.”

plane noun US /pleɪn/

an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading “First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.”

All words in this reading · 132

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.

agonynounUS /ˈæɡ.ə.ni/

Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

ancestraladjectiveUS /ænˈsestrəl/

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

anywhereadverbUS /ˈeniwer/

at or in or to any place

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

AstornounUS /ˈæstər/

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

bloodlessadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdləs/

destitute of blood or apparently so

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

carryverbUS /ˈkæri/

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

choseverbUS /tʃoʊz/

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

citizenshipnounUS /ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/

the status of a citizen with rights and duties

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/

a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/

recognizable; marked

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/

characterized by great determination

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

determinedlyadverbUS /dəˈtɜːrmənədli/

with determination; in a determined manner

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

drawing-boards

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

drewnounUS /druː/

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

establishverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/

set up or found

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

fearverbUS /fɪr/

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

flamenounUS /fleɪm/

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

franklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.

friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

Glendale

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

good-bynoun

a farewell remark

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

HallnounUS /hɔːl/

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

how

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

inmostadjective

being deepest within the self

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

isn't

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

Jane

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

jeweledadjectiveUS /ˈdʒuː.əld/

Adorned or decorated with precious gems, diamonds, and emeralds.

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

LANCEnounUS /læns/

a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.

MAIDENnounUS /ˈmeɪdən/

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/

United States poet (1869-1950)

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

meantverbUS /ment/

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

minepronounUS /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

Montmarte

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

night-fire

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

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

operatedverbUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtəd/

past form of “operate” — direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

operationnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃən/

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

ParisnounUS /ˈperɪs/

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/

carry out or perform an action

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

planenounUS /pleɪn/

an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

professionnounUS /prəˈfeʃən/

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

protectionnounUS /prəˈtekʃən/

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

revolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

Richard

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

roof-garden

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

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

shutverbUS /ʃʌt/

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

studiedadjectiveUS /ˈstʌdid/

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

suspiciousadjectiveUS /səˈspɪʃəs/

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.

tellverbUS /tel/

express in words

From this reading I, at last, became determined, and chose the roof-garden at the Astor to tell him good-by, and perform the final operation.

tellingadjectiveUS /ˈtelɪŋ/

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

traditionsnounUS /trəˈdɪʃənz/

plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

triedadjectiveUS /traɪd/

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

utmostadjectiveUS /ˈʌtmoʊst/

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

wakeverbUS /weɪk/

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I was frankly affectionate, and it made him suspicious of me.

watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

watersnounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading THE MAIDEN LANCE A woman may shut her eyes, and put a man determinedly out of her heart, and in two minutes she will wake up in an agony of fear that he isn't there.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading First I tried to establish a plane of common citizenship with him, by telling him how much his two years' friendship across the waters had meant to me, while we studied the same profession under the same masters, drew at the same drawing-boards and watched dear old Paris flame into her jeweled night-fire from Montmarte, together.

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading Now, as I have decided that Glendale is to be the scene of this bloodless revolution of mine--it would be awful to carry out such an undertaking anywhere but under the protection of ancestral traditions--I have operated Richard Hall out of my inmost being with the utmost cruelty, on an average of every two hours, for this week Jane and I have been in New York; and I have still got him with me.

Chapter 2 of The Tinder-Box by Maria Thompson Daviess holds 140 sentences, grouped into 28 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 Tinder-Box contain?

Chapter 2 holds 140 sentences of The Tinder-Box, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Tinder-Box by Maria Thompson Daviess exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 140 sentences, grouped into 28 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 Tinder-Box?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 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 Tinder-Box

Common questions about reading The Tinder-Box by Maria Thompson Daviess on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Tinder-Box?

Yes. All 2049 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #14863 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Tinder-Box is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #14863, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Tinder-Box take to read?

About 170 minutes of reading across 410 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Tinder-Box section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 10 chapters of The Tinder-Box 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 Tinder-Box

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

Takes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Tinder-Box; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Either
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Tinder-Box; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Loneliness
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Tinder-Box; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Strength
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Tinder-Box; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.