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The Unforseen Return
The Unforseen Return

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Unforseen Return is here in full — 670 sentences across 134 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Jean-François Regnard • Curated US English Learning Edition
Cover illustration for The Unforseen Return
Context Illustration Reading 1/134 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.
Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.
Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!
I'm very glad to meet you.
Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.
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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 Unforseen Return

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Unforseen Return is here in full — 670 sentences across 134 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/134 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.
Line 2
Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.
/ˈluːsi ə meɪd ɪz əˈproʊtʃɪŋ frʌm wʌn saɪd ənd ɪnˈkaʊntərz ˈmɪsɪz prɪm/
Line 3
Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!
Line 4
I'm very glad to meet you.
Line 5
Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

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.

adapted adjective US /əˈdæptɪd/

changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
encounters noun US /ɪnˈkaʊntərz/

plural of “encounter” — a minor short-term fight

From this reading “Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Lucy noun US /ˈluːsi/

incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Marquis noun US /ˌmɑːrˈkiː/

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Merlin noun US /ˈmɜːrlɪn/

(Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Prim verb US /prɪm/

assume a prim appearance

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Richly adverb US /ˈrɪtʃli/

to an ample degree or in an ample manner

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Translated verb US /trænzˈleɪtɪd/

past form of “translate” — restate (words) from one language into another language

From this reading “Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.”

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

All words in this reading · 61

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 Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
adaptedadjectiveUS /əˈdæptɪd/

changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Ah

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

From this reading Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!

Pending verification
andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
Andre

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
approachingnounUS /əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
Belinda

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Bertrand

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
Clarissa

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Clitandre

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Cydalise

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
EdwardnounUS /ˈedwərd/

King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
encountersnounUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərz/

plural of “encounter” — a minor short-term fight

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
FrankadjectiveUS /fræŋk/

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
Geronte

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
gladadjectiveUS /ɡlæd/

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading I'm very glad to meet you.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
housenounUS /haʊs/

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
I'm

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

From this reading I'm very glad to meet you.

Pending verification
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
JnounUS /dʒeɪ/

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Jacquinet

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Jeremy

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Let's

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

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

Pending verification
Lisette

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Lucile

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
LucynounUS /ˈluːsi/

incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MnounUS /em/

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
maidnounUS /meɪd/

a female domestic

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MarquisnounUS /ˌmɑːrˈkiː/

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading I'm very glad to meet you.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MerlinnounUS /ˈmɜːrlɪn/

(Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MissverbUS /mɪs/

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Mme

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Morlock

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
PrimverbUS /prɪm/

assume a prim appearance

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
RichlyadverbUS /ˈrɪtʃli/

to an ample degree or in an ample manner

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
Richly's

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
Roger

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Pending verification
scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Lucy, a maid is approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
SquirenounUS /skwaɪr/

young nobleman attendant on a knight

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
streetnounUS /striːt/

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Let's take the opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I'm very glad to meet you.

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary
TranslatedverbUS /trænzˈleɪtɪd/

past form of “translate” — restate (words) from one language into another language

From this reading Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte) The scene is a street before Richly's house.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading I'm very glad to meet you.

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1
youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Mrs. Prim: Ah, there you are!

Velmora grammar entry · CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Chapter 1 of The Unforseen Return by Jean-François Regnard holds 670 sentences, grouped into 134 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 1 of The Unforseen Return contain?

Chapter 1 holds 670 sentences of The Unforseen Return, unabridged, divided into 134 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Unforseen Return by Jean-François Regnard exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 670 sentences, grouped into 134 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 1 of The Unforseen Return?

Work through the 134 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 134 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Unforseen Return

Common questions about reading The Unforseen Return by Jean-François Regnard on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Unforseen Return?

Yes. All 670 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #4700 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Unforseen Return is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #4700, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Unforseen Return take to read?

About 55 minutes of reading across 134 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Unforseen Return section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 1 chapters of The Unforseen Return 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 Unforseen Return

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

Translated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Unforseen Return; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Adapted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Unforseen Return; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Frank
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Unforseen Return; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Morlock
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Unforseen Return; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.