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The Title Market
The Title Market

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Title Market is here in full — 87 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/17 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.
Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.
In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.
Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.
Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.
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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 Title Market

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of The Title Market is here in full — 87 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/17 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.
Line 2
Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.
/hɜːr ˈdresər hæd ə ˈθɜːroʊli kaʊd ɪkˈspreʃən hɜːr ˈmænədʒər kənˈsuːmd mɔːr blæk sɪˈɡɑːrz ðæn wɜːr ɡʊd fɔːr hɪm ðə kɔːr diː bæˈleɪ hæd ˌhɪˈsterɪks ˈsɪŋɡli ənd ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən ˈkaʊnsəlz en mæs/
Line 3
In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.
Line 4
Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.
Line 5
Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

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.

ballet noun US /bæˈleɪ/

a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

cowed verb US /kaʊd/

past form of “cow” — subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

From this reading “Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.”

masse noun US /mæs/

a shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball

rages noun US /ˈreɪdʒɪz/

plural of “rage” — a feeling of intense anger

From this reading “In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.”

resigning verb US /rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading “FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.”

submits verb US /ˌsʌbˈmɪts/

third-person singular of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading “Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.”

Superficially adverb US /ˈsuːpərfɪʃəli/

in a superficial manner

From this reading “Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.”

trainer noun US /ˈtreɪnər/

one who trains other persons or animals

From this reading “Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.”

All words in this reading · 114

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 FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

animalnounUS /ˈænəməl/

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

balletnounUS /bæˈleɪ/

a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

BARGAINnounUS /ˈbɑːrɡən/

an agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

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

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

birthnounUS /bɜːrθ/

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

broughtverbUS /brɔːt/

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

call-boy

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

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/

in a cheerful manner

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

cigarsnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːrz/

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/

past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/

close interaction

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

controlnounUS /kənˈtroʊl/

power to direct or determine

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

corpsnounUS /kɔːr/

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

councilsnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəlz/

plural of “council” — a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

cowedverbUS /kaʊd/

past form of “cow” — subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

dictatesnounUS /dɪkˈteɪts/

plural of “dictate” — an authoritative rule

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

dressernounUS /ˈdresər/

furniture with drawers for keeping clothes

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

DRIVESnounUS /draɪvz/

plural of “drive” — the act of applying force to propel something

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

ennounUS /en/

half the width of an em

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

FAVORITA

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

Favorita's

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

FinallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

Giovanni

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

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

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

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

half-wild

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

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

higheradjectiveUS /ˈhaɪər/

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

hystericsnounUS /ˌhɪˈsterɪks/

an attack of hysteria

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpəls/

an instinctive motive

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

indignationnounUS /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/

a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

lowestadjectiveUS /ˈloʊəst/

lowest in rank or importance

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

managernounUS /ˈmænədʒər/

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

massenounUS /mæs/

a shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

membernounUS /ˈmembər/

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

obediencenounUS /oʊˈbiːdiəns/

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

peasantnounUS /ˈpezənt/

a country person

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

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

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

postsnounUS /poʊsts/

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

primitiveadjectiveUS /ˈprɪmətɪv/

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

progressedverbUS /prəˈɡrest/

past form of “progress” — develop in a positive way

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

ragesnounUS /ˈreɪdʒɪz/

plural of “rage” — a feeling of intense anger

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

resigningverbUS /rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

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

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

singlyadverbUS /ˈsɪŋɡli/

one by one; one at a time

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

submitsverbUS /ˌsʌbˈmɪts/

third-person singular of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

submittedverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

SuperficiallyadverbUS /ˈsuːpərfɪʃəli/

in a superficial manner

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

taughtverbUS /tɔːt/

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

tempernounUS /ˈtempər/

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

theatrenounUS /ˈθiːətər/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

thoroughlyadverbUS /ˈθɜːroʊli/

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading Her dresser had a thoroughly cowed expression; her manager consumed more black cigars than were good for him; the _corps de ballet_ had hysterics singly and indignation councils _en masse_.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

tormentingverbUS /ˈtɔːrmentɪŋ/

-ing form of “torment” — torment emotionally or mentally

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

trainernounUS /ˈtreɪnər/

one who trains other persons or animals

From this reading Superficially, she submitted to the dictates of civilization, just as a half-wild animal submits to the control of his trainer.

trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

uneasyadjectiveUS /əˈniːzi/

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

vergenounUS /vɜːrdʒ/

a region marking a boundary

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

well-bredadjective

of good upbringing

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In fact, the call-boy, who seemed to enjoy tormenting her, was the only member of the company who took her rages cheerfully.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/

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

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading FAVORITA DRIVES A BARGAIN As the winter progressed, Favorita's temper showed so little improvement that those whose duty brought them in contact with her at the theatre were on the verge of resigning their posts.

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Finally even Giovanni became uneasy; a well-bred woman could be counted on in given circumstances to do thus and so, but Favorita was of lowest peasant birth: her people were of the mountain districts, so primitive in thought and habit that her early training had taught her obedience to nothing higher than impulse.

Chapter 17 of The Title Market by Emily Post holds 87 sentences, grouped into 18 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 17 of The Title Market contain?

Chapter 17 holds 87 sentences of The Title Market, unabridged, divided into 18 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of The Title Market by Emily Post exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 87 sentences, grouped into 18 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 17 of The Title Market?

Work through the 18 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 18 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 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 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 Title Market

Common questions about reading The Title Market by Emily Post on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Title Market?

Yes. All 4622 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #17680 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Title Market is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #17680, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Title Market take to read?

About 385 minutes of reading across 925 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Title Market section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of The Title Market 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 Title Market

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

Pony-cart
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Title Market; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Arrived
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Title Market; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Castle
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Title Market; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Princess
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Title Market; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.