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The Viking's Skull
The Viking's Skull

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Viking's Skull is here in full — 413 sentences across 83 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/82 · 5 lines
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THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.
Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.
Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.
The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.
Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Viking's Skull

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Viking's Skull is here in full — 413 sentences across 83 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/82 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.
Line 2
Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.
Line 3
Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.
Line 4
The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.
Line 5
Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

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.

earl's noun US /ɜːrlz/

possessive form of “earl” — a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading “Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.”

invitations noun US /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

magnates noun US /ˈmæɡneɪts/

plural of “magnate” — a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

rehearsals noun US /rɪˈhɜːrsəlz/

plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)

From this reading “The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.”

secluded adjective US /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

hidden from general view or use

From this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

terminate verb US /ˈtɜːrməneɪt/

bring to an end or halt

From this reading “Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.”

twenty-first adjective US /ˈtwentifɜːrst/

coming next after the twentieth in position

From this reading “THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.”

Viscount noun US /ˈvɪskaʊnt/

(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count

From this reading “THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

select circle adjective + noun

In this reading “The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.”

many years adjective + noun

In this reading “The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.”

eagerly accepted adverb + adjective

In this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

grand ball adjective + noun

In this reading “Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.”

romantic interest adjective + noun

In this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

preceded by verb + particle counted as “precede by”

In this reading “Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.”

secret marriage noun + noun

In this reading “Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.”

terminate in verb + particle

In this reading “Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.”

All words in this reading · 112

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 Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

authoressnoun

a woman author

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

ballnounUS /bɔːl/

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

birthdaynounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

circlenounUS /ˈsɜːrkəl/

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

dramatis

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

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

drawingnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

eagerlyadverbUS /ˈiːɡərli/

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

earlnounUS /ɜːrl/

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

earl'snounUS /ɜːrlz/

possessive form of “earl” — a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

EntertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

entitledadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

estatesnounUS /ɪˈsteɪts/

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

everybodypronounUS /ˈevribɑːdi/

every person

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

FataladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtəl/

bringing death

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

flungverbUS /flʌŋ/

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

gaietynoun

a gay feeling

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

gloomyadjectiveUS /ˈɡluːmi/

depressingly dark

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

grandadjectiveUS /ɡrænd/

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

guestsnounUS /ɡests/

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

investedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəd/

past form of “invest” — make an investment

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

InvitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/

past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

Lorelie

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

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

magnatesnounUS /ˈmæɡneɪts/

plural of “magnate” — a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

marriagenounUS /ˈmerɪdʒ/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/

great merriment

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

Ormsby

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

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

personæ

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

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

poeticadjectiveUS /poʊˈetɪk/

of or relating to poetry

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

Ravenhall

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

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

rehearsalsnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəlz/

plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

rôle

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

hidden from general view or use

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/

of superior grade

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

SKULLnounUS /skʌl/

the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

societynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

soulnounUS /soʊl/

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

stage-directress

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

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

tenantrynoun

tenants of an estate considered as a group

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

terminateverbUS /ˈtɜːrməneɪt/

bring to an end or halt

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

twenty-firstadjectiveUS /ˈtwentifɜːrst/

coming next after the twentieth in position

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

VENGEANCEnounUS /ˈvendʒəns/

the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

ViscountnounUS /ˈvɪskaʊnt/

(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

viscountessnoun

a wife or widow of a viscount

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

Walden

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

Walden's

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

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE VENGEANCE OF THE SKULL Viscount Walden's twenty-first birthday was drawing near, and Ravenhall was making grand preparations for the occasion.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Invitations were issued to the local magnates and their families--invitations eagerly accepted, for everybody was curious to see both the earl, who had so long secluded himself from society, and the new viscountess, whose secret marriage had invested her with a romantic interest.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Lorelie took upon herself the office of stage-directress, and flung herself heart and soul into the work.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Entertainment of various kinds was provided, for the earl's guests, as well as for the tenantry of his estates, the day to terminate in a grand ball, preceded by the performance of a poetic drama, written by Lady Walden, and entitled _The Fatal Skull_, a drama in which the authoress herself was to take the leading _rôle_.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading The other _dramatis personæ_ were drawn from a select circle of Ormsby society, and their frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a mirth and a gaiety not known in that gloomy mansion for many years.

Chapter 23 of The Viking's Skull by John R. Carling holds 413 sentences, grouped into 83 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 23 of The Viking's Skull contain?

Chapter 23 holds 413 sentences of The Viking's Skull, unabridged, divided into 83 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of The Viking's Skull by John R. Carling exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 413 sentences, grouped into 83 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 23 of The Viking's Skull?

Work through the 83 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 83 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 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 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 Viking's Skull

Common questions about reading The Viking's Skull by John R. Carling on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Viking's Skull?

Yes. All 5908 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #60414 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Viking's Skull is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #60414, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Viking's Skull take to read?

About 492 minutes of reading across 1182 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Viking's Skull section by section

How to work through The Viking's Skull section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 24 chapters of The Viking's Skull 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 Viking's Skull

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Viking's Skull, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

English
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Viking's Skull; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Granitic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Viking's Skull; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Peninsulas
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Viking's Skull; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Western
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Viking's Skull; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.