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The Wouldbegoods
The Wouldbegoods

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Wouldbegoods is here in full — 382 sentences across 77 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Wouldbegoods
Context Illustration Reading 1/76 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.
It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.
And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.
And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.
In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Wouldbegoods

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Wouldbegoods is here in full — 382 sentences across 77 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/76 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.
Line 2
It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.
Line 3
And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.
Line 4
And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.
Line 5
In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

All words in this reading · 115

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.

a

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

Albert

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

Albert's

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

an

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

and

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

are

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

as

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

at

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

author

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

be

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

better

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

bright

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

but

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

by

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

came

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

children

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

country

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

Daisy

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

deal

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

decent

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

Denny

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

did

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

does

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

door

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

enjoyed

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

fashion

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

father

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

few

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

forsaken

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

from

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

gave

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

giddy

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

good

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

goodness

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

grown-up

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

grown-ups

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

had

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

haunts

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

have

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

his

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

home

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

hope

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

hours

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

I

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

in

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

indeed

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

is

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

It

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

kind

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

know

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

left

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

Lewisham

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

lines

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

little

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

lived

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

many

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

much

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

my

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

neglected

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

next

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

no

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

nothing

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

now

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

number

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

of

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

one

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

ones

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

only

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

other

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

ours

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

ourselves

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

owl

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

people

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

pleasure

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

quite

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

really

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

relations

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

see

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

some

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

sparkled

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

such

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

than

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

thank

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

that

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

The

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

them

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From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

then

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From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

these

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

things

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

think

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

times

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

to

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

uncle

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

up

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

us

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

valuable

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

very

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

From this reading And we had some very decent times with them; and enjoyed ourselves very much indeed, thank you.

was

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

ways

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

we

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

weep

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

were

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

what's-its-name

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

when

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

while

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

whirled

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

who

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

whose

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

will

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

wish

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

wished

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

From this reading And the father of Denny and Daisy came now and then, and other people, quite as many as we wished to see.

with

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

wretched

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

From this reading The author of these few lines really does hope to goodness that no one will be such an owl as to think from the number of things we did when we were in the country, that we were wretched, neglected little children, whose grown-up relations sparkled in the bright haunts of pleasure, and whirled in the giddy what’s-its-name of fashion, while we were left to weep forsaken at home.

you

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

From this reading It was nothing of the kind, and I wish you to know that my father was with us a good deal--and Albert’s uncle (who is really no uncle of ours, but only of Albert next door when we lived in Lewisham) gave up a good many of his valuable hours to us.

yourselves

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

From this reading In some ways the good times you have with grown-ups are better than the ones you have by yourselves.

Chapter 12 of The Wouldbegoods by E. (Edith) Nesbit holds 382 sentences, grouped into 77 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 12 of The Wouldbegoods contain?

Chapter 12 holds 382 sentences of The Wouldbegoods, unabridged, divided into 77 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Wouldbegoods by E. (Edith) Nesbit exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 382 sentences, grouped into 77 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 12 of The Wouldbegoods?

Work through the 77 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 77 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 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 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 Wouldbegoods

Common questions about reading The Wouldbegoods by E. (Edith) Nesbit on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Wouldbegoods?

Yes. All 4724 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #794 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Wouldbegoods is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #794, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Wouldbegoods take to read?

About 393 minutes of reading across 945 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Wouldbegoods section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 14 chapters of The Wouldbegoods 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 Wouldbegoods

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

Children
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wouldbegoods; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Proper
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wouldbegoods; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Place
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wouldbegoods; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stand
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Wouldbegoods; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.