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The Walcott Twins
The Walcott Twins

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Walcott Twins is here in full — 103 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
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A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.
The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.
Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.
"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.
Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Walcott Twins

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Walcott Twins is here in full — 103 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.
Line 2
The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.
Line 3
Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.
/ɡeɪ wɑːz nɑːt ðer hiː wɑːz ɑːn ðə ˈdaɪmənd ɪn kloʊs ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən wɪð ˈkæptən ˈkɑːrvər/
Line 4
"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.
/juː noʊ əˈbaʊt wʌt aɪ kæn duː ɡeɪ wɑːz ˈseɪɪŋ æt ðə ˈveri ˈmoʊmənt ðə ɡeɪm wɑːz ˈædvərtaɪzd tuː bɪˈɡɪn/
Line 5
Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

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.

advertised adjective US /ˈædvərtaɪzd/

called to public attention

From this reading “"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.”

bleaching verb US /ˈbliːtʃɪŋ/

-ing form of “bleach” — remove color from

From this reading “A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.”

Carver noun US /ˈkɑːrvər/

United States botanist and agricultural chemist who developed many uses for peanuts and soy beans and sweet potatoes (1864-1943)

From this reading “Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.”

enthusiasts noun US /enˈθuːziæsts/

plural of “enthusiast” — an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

From this reading “A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.”

gentler adjective US /ˈdʒentlər/

comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading “Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.”

prejudice noun US /ˈpredʒədɪs/

a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading “Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.”

propriety noun US /prəˈpraɪəti/

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading “Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.”

spectators noun US /ˈspekteɪtərz/

plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading “The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.”

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.

telegraph wire noun + noun

the wire that carries telegraph and telephone signals

In this reading “The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.”

practical purposes adjective + noun counted as “practical purpose”

In this reading “A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.”

gentler sex adjective + noun counted as “gentle sex”

In this reading “Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.”

accomplished fact adjective + noun

an irreversible accomplishment

In this reading “A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.”

large party adjective + noun

In this reading “The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.”

in the field preposition + article + noun counted as “in … field”

In this reading “Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.”

very moment adjective + noun

In this reading “"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.”

know about verb + particle

In this reading “"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.”

All words in this reading · 106

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 A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

accomplishedadjectiveUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/

highly skilled

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

advertisedadjectiveUS /ˈædvərtaɪzd/

called to public attention

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

birdsnounUS /bɜːrdz/

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

bleachingverbUS /ˈbliːtʃɪŋ/

-ing form of “bleach” — remove color from

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

boardsnounUS /bɔːrdz/

(used in the plural) the stage of a theater

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

CaptainnounUS /ˈkæptən/

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

CarvernounUS /ˈkɑːrvər/

United States botanist and agricultural chemist who developed many uses for peanuts and soy beans and sweet potatoes (1864-1943)

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

Clarke's

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

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

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/

being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/

a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

enthusiastsnounUS /enˈθuːziæsts/

plural of “enthusiast” — an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

factnounUS /fækt/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

FarmernounUS /ˈfɑːrmər/

a person who operates a farm

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

fenceverbUS /fens/

enclose with a fence

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

fieldnounUS /fiːld/

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

GAMEnounUS /ɡeɪm/

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

gatheredadjectiveUS /ˈɡæðərd/

brought together in one place

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

GayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

gentleradjectiveUS /ˈdʒentlər/

comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

grandadjectiveUS /ɡrænd/

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

GREATadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

Hazelnook

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

homenounUS /hoʊm/

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

Lyman

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

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

Ned

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

Payne

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

Plainville

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

Plainvilles

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

practicaladjectiveUS /ˈpræktəkəl/

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

prejudicenounUS /ˈpredʒədɪs/

a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

proprietynounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

railnounUS /reɪl/

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

rownounUS /roʊ/

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

seatsnounUS /siːts/

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

sexnounUS /seks/

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

shareverbUS /ʃer/

have in common

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

silentadjectiveUS /ˈsaɪlənt/

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/

plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

sportnounUS /spɔːrt/

an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

standverbUS /stænd/

be standing; be upright

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/

closely encircling

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

teamnounUS /tiːm/

a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

telegraphnounUS /ˈteləɡræf/

apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

upperadjectiveUS /ˈʌpər/

the topmost one of two

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

viewsnounUS /vjuːz/

plural of “view” — a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A GREAT GAME A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

wirenounUS /ˈwaɪər/

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.

witnessnounUS /ˈwɪtnəs/

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.

Chapter 23 of The Walcott Twins by Lucile Lovell holds 103 sentences, grouped into 21 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 Walcott Twins contain?

Chapter 23 holds 103 sentences of The Walcott Twins, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of The Walcott Twins by Lucile Lovell exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 103 sentences, grouped into 21 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 Walcott Twins?

Work through the 21 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 21 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 Walcott Twins

Common questions about reading The Walcott Twins by Lucile Lovell on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Walcott Twins?

Yes. All 2656 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #49060 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Walcott Twins is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #49060, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Walcott Twins take to read?

About 221 minutes of reading across 532 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Walcott Twins section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 27 chapters of The Walcott Twins 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 Walcott Twins

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

Mistress
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Walcott Twins; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
House
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Walcott Twins; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Among
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Walcott Twins; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Pillows
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Walcott Twins; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.