Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
True Tilda
True Tilda

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of True Tilda is here in full — 62 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for True Tilda
Context Illustration Reading 1/12 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.
Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.
CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.
"It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.
"You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

True Tilda

Chapter X · Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of True Tilda is here in full — 62 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/12 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.
Line 2
Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.
Line 3
CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.
Line 4
"It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.
Line 5
"You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

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.

commence verb US /kəˈmens/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.”

conclude verb US /kənˈkluːd/

decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

courtship noun US /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/

a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

mirth noun US /mɜːrθ/

great merriment

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

Mortimer noun US /ˈmɔːrtɪmər/

English nobleman who deposed Edward II and was executed by Edward III (1287-1330)

From this reading “"It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.”

refinement noun US /rəˈfaɪnmənt/

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

Shilling noun US /ˈʃɪlɪŋ/

the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

vulgarity noun US /vəlˈɡerɪti/

the quality of lacking taste and refinement

From this reading “THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.”

All words in this reading · 52

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.

7.30

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

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

8

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

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

answeredverbUS /ˈænsərd/

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.

askedverbUS /æskt/

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

ATprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

betverbUS /bet/

maintain with or as if with a bet

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

Bossom

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

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

CARRIAGESnounUS /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

COMMENCEverbUS /kəˈmens/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

CONCLUDEverbUS /kənˈkluːd/

decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

COURTSHIPnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/

a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

DOORSnounUS /dɔːrz/

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

DUOLOGUEnoun

a conversation between two persons

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

ENTITLEDadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

GallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

GreennounUS /ɡriːn/

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

HALF-PAST

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

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

isn't

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

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

It's

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

From this reading "It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.

limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/

small in range or scope

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

MIRTHnounUS /mɜːrθ/

great merriment

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

MortimernounUS /ˈmɔːrtɪmər/

English nobleman who deposed Edward II and was executed by Edward III (1287-1330)

From this reading "It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

OPENverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

PASSIONnounUS /ˈpæʃən/

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

RAINnounUS /reɪn/

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

REFINEMENTnounUS /rəˈfaɪnmənt/

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

ReservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

SeatsnounUS /siːts/

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

ShillingnounUS /ˈʃɪlɪŋ/

the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

SIDE-SPLITTING

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

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

Sixpencenoun

a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

TENnounUS /ten/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

THATconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading "It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.

Threepencenoun

former cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom equal to three pennies

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

Tizzer's

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

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

Unreservedadjective

not reserved

From this reading Unreserved, Sixpence._ _Gallery (limited), Threepence only_ DOORS OPEN AT 7.30; TO COMMENCE AT 8.

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading "It's the usual thing," answered Mr. Mortimer.

VULGARITYnounUS /vəlˈɡerɪti/

the quality of lacking taste and refinement

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

WHOLEadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

WhynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading CARRIAGES AT HALF-PAST TEN "Why carriages?" asked Mr. Bossom.

WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

WITHOUTprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading THE WHOLE TO CONCLUDE WITH THAT SIDE-SPLITTING DUOLOGUE ENTITLED, 'COURTSHIP IN THE RAIN' PASSION WITH REFINEMENT AND MIRTH WITHOUT VULGARITY _Reserved Seats, One Shilling.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You bet it isn't, at Tizzer's Green.

Chapter 10 of True Tilda by Arthur Quiller-Couch holds 62 sentences, grouped into 13 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 10 of True Tilda contain?

Chapter 10 holds 62 sentences of True Tilda, unabridged, divided into 13 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 10 of True Tilda by Arthur Quiller-Couch exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 62 sentences, grouped into 13 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 10 of True Tilda?

Work through the 13 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 13 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 10 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 10 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 True Tilda

Common questions about reading True Tilda by Arthur Quiller-Couch on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of True Tilda?

Yes. All 6332 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12316 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of True Tilda is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12316, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does True Tilda take to read?

About 527 minutes of reading across 1267 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read True Tilda section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 27 chapters of True Tilda 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 True Tilda

Words and structures a reader meets early in True Tilda, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Tattoo
A word that appears in the opening chapter of True Tilda; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Another
A word that appears in the opening chapter of True Tilda; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Diagram
A word that appears in the opening chapter of True Tilda; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Appeared
A word that appears in the opening chapter of True Tilda; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.