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The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale
The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale is here in full — 67 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.
This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.
She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.
She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.
For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale is here in full — 67 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.
Line 2
This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.
/ðɪs ˈkriːtʃər ɪz diːp ɪn ðə ˌmetəˈfɪzɪks ʌv lʌv/
Line 3
She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.
Line 4
She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.
Line 5
For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.
/fɔːr ˈnʌθɪŋ kæn biː mɔːr sɪˈduːsɪŋ ðæn hɜːr lʊks ˈnʌθɪŋ kæn biː mɔːr ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd ðæn hɜːr ˈmænərz/

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.

bestows verb US /bɪˈstoʊz/

third-person singular of “bestow” — present

From this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

epicure noun US /ˈepɪkjʊr/

a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)

From this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

imposes verb US /ɪmˈpoʊzəz/

third-person singular of “impose” — compel to behave in a certain way

From this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

keener adjective US /ˈkiːnər/

comparative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

metaphysics noun US /ˌmetəˈfɪzɪks/

the philosophical study of being and knowing

From this reading “This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.”

persists verb US /pərˈsɪsts/

third-person singular of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

privation noun US /praɪˈveɪʃən/

a state of extreme poverty

From this reading “She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.”

seducing verb US /sɪˈduːsɪŋ/

-ing form of “seduce” — induce to have sex

From this reading “For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.”

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.

persists in verb + particle counted as “persist in”

do something repeatedly and showing no intention to stop

In this reading “She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.”

All words in this reading · 87

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 She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

absencenounUS /ˈæbsəns/

the state of being absent

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

ardournoun

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

awakeningnounUS /əˈweɪkənɪŋ/

the act of waking

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

bestowsverbUS /bɪˈstoʊz/

third-person singular of “bestow” — present

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

bringingnounUS /ˈbrɪŋɪŋ/

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

confusionnounUS /kənˈfjuːʒən/

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

creaturenounUS /ˈkriːtʃər/

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

DnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

drawing-desk

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

enjoyedverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪd/

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

epicurenounUS /ˈepɪkjʊr/

a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

ESQnoun

a title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

evidentadjectiveUS /ˈevədənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

felicitynounUS /fɪˈlɪsəti/

pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

givesnounUS /ɡɪvz/

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

imposesverbUS /ɪmˈpoʊzəz/

third-person singular of “impose” — compel to behave in a certain way

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

JnounUS /dʒeɪ/

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

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

keeneradjectiveUS /ˈkiːnər/

comparative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

leavesnounUS /liːvz/

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

looksnounUS /lʊks/

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

MnounUS /em/

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

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

mannersnounUS /ˈmænərz/

social deportment

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

metaphysicsnounUS /ˌmetəˈfɪzɪks/

the philosophical study of being and knowing

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

minutesnounUS /ˈmɪnəts/

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

PnounUS /piː/

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

perpetuallyadverbUS /pərˈpetʃuːəli/

everlastingly; for all time

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

persistsverbUS /pərˈsɪsts/

third-person singular of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

presencenounUS /ˈprezəns/

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

priestnounUS /priːst/

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

privationnounUS /praɪˈveɪʃən/

a state of extreme poverty

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

regretverbUS /rəˈɡret/

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

seducingverbUS /sɪˈduːsɪŋ/

-ing form of “seduce” — induce to have sex

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

sentimentnounUS /ˈsentəmənt/

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

silentadjectiveUS /ˈsaɪlənt/

marked by absence of sound

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

stealingnounUS /ˈstiːlɪŋ/

the act of taking something from someone unlawfully

From this reading She is perpetually awakening ardour by restraint, and stealing enjoyment from privation.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For nothing can be more seducing than her looks, nothing can be more dignified than her manners.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This creature is deep in the metaphysics of love.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TO J. D. ESQ., M. P.

transientnounUS /ˈtrænʒənt/

one who stays for only a short time

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

zestnounUS /zest/

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading She still persists in bringing the priest with her to the drawing-desk; but it is evident she does not the less enjoy that casual absence which leaves us sometimes alone; and I am now become such an epicure in sentiment, that I scarcely regret the restraint the presence of the priest imposes; since it gives a keener zest to the transient minutes of felicity his absence bestows--even though they are enjoyed in silent confusion.

Chapter 23 of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale by Sydney, Lady Morgan holds 67 sentences, grouped into 14 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 Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale contain?

Chapter 23 holds 67 sentences of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale by Sydney, Lady Morgan exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 67 sentences, grouped into 14 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 Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 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 Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale

Common questions about reading The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale by Sydney, Lady Morgan on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale?

Yes. All 2959 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #54683 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #54683, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale take to read?

About 246 minutes of reading across 592 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale section by section

How to work through The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale 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 Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Introductory
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Letters
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Honorable
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Horatio
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.