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Under the Lilacs
Under the Lilacs

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs is here in full — 103 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.
None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.
First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.
Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.
The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Under the Lilacs

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs is here in full — 103 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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

Line 1
MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.
Line 2
None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.
/nʌn tuː suːn fɔːr ɪn ə deɪ ɔːr tuː θɪŋz ərˈaɪvd tuː ðə ɡreɪt dɪˈlaɪt ʌv ðə ˈtʃɪldrən huː kənˈsɪdərd ˈmuːvɪŋ ə moʊst ˈɪntrəstɪŋ pleɪ/
Line 3
First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.
Line 4
Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.
Line 5
The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

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.

beguiling adjective US /bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ/

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading “First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.”

bray verb US /breɪ/

braying characteristic of donkeys

From this reading “The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.”

burrow noun US /ˈbɜːroʊ/

a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

From this reading “The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.”

creaking noun US /ˈkriːkɪŋ/

a squeaking sound

From this reading “Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.”

creating verb US /kriˈeɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading “The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.”

peacocks noun US /ˈpiːkɑːks/

plural of “peacock” — European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot

From this reading “The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.”

scandalized verb US /ˈskændəlaɪzd/

past form of “scandalize” — strike with disgust or revulsion

From this reading “The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.”

tasks noun US /tæsks/

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading “First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.”

All words in this reading · 139

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 None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

admiringverbUS /ædˈmaɪrɪŋ/

-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

arrivedverbUS /ərˈaɪvd/

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

beguilingadjectiveUS /bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ/

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

BennounUS /ben/

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

birdsnounUS /bɜːrdz/

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

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

brayverbUS /breɪ/

braying characteristic of donkeys

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

burrownounUS /ˈbɜːroʊ/

a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

cattlenounUS /ˈkætəl/

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

CELIA'S

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

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

chairsnounUS /tʃerz/

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

Chevalita

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

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

clearing-up

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

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

consideredadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərd/

carefully weighed

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/

seemingly without interruption

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

convulsed

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

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

cottagenounUS /ˈkɑːtədʒ/

a small house with a single story

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

creakingnounUS /ˈkriːkɪŋ/

a squeaking sound

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

creatingverbUS /kriˈeɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

dancingnounUS /ˈdænsɪŋ/

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

delightverbUS /dɪˈlaɪt/

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

donkey's

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

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

drivingadjectiveUS /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

DukenounUS /duːk/

a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

envynounUS /ˈenvi/

a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

equipagenoun

equipment and supplies of a military force

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

furniturenounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪtʃər/

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

gatenounUS /ɡeɪt/

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

gettingnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

girlsnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

how

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/

having inhabitants; lived in

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

interestingadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

invitingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/

attractive and tempting

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

laughternounUS /ˈlæftər/

the sound of laughing

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

liveverbUS /laɪv/

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

loadnounUS /loʊd/

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

lodgeverbUS /lɑːdʒ/

be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

MANnounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

metverbUS /met/

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

MISSverbUS /mɪs/

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

momentsnounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

movingadjectiveUS /ˈmuːvɪŋ/

in motion

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

neighborhoodnounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊd/

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

newlyadverbUS /ˈnuːli/

very recently

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

NonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

passverbUS /pæs/

go across or through

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

peacocksnounUS /ˈpiːkɑːks/

plural of “peacock” — European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

phaetonnoun

large open car seating four with folding top

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

planningnounUS /ˈplænɪŋ/

an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

playverbUS /pleɪ/

participate in games or sport

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

pronouncedadjectiveUS /prəˈnaʊnst/

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

rabbitsnounUS /ˈræbəts/

plural of “rabbit” — any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

raptures

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

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

rareadjectiveUS /rer/

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

richadjectiveUS /rɪtʃ/

possessing material wealth

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

rideverbUS /raɪd/

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

scandalizedverbUS /ˈskændəlaɪzd/

past form of “scandalize” — strike with disgust or revulsion

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

seatnounUS /siːt/

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/

a state of social isolation

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

spentadjectiveUS /spent/

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/

resistant to change of position or condition

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

startledadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtəld/

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/

impressive in appearance

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

stirverbUS /stɜːr/

move an implement through

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

stocknounUS /stɑːk/

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

tablenounUS /ˈteɪbəl/

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

tasksnounUS /tæsks/

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

ThenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading Then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate, and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano, several small chairs, and a little low table, which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading MISS CELIA'S MAN Ben was not too tired, and the clearing-up began that very night.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading None too soon, for in a day or two things arrived, to the great delight of the children, who considered moving a most interesting play.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

wonderingadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərɪŋ/

showing curiosity

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading First came the phaeton, which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring; wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind, and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich, he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage, and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading The live stock appeared next, creating a great stir in the neighborhood, for peacocks were rare birds there; the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter; the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden; and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude.

Chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott holds 103 sentences, grouped into 21 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 7 of Under the Lilacs contain?

Chapter 7 holds 103 sentences of Under the Lilacs, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 103 sentences, grouped into 21 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs?

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

Each of the 21 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Under the Lilacs

Common questions about reading Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Under the Lilacs?

Yes. All 3158 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #3795 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Under the Lilacs is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #3795, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Under the Lilacs take to read?

About 263 minutes of reading across 632 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Under the Lilacs section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 23 chapters of Under the Lilacs 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 Under the Lilacs

Words and structures a reader meets early in Under the Lilacs, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Neither
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Under the Lilacs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Spoke
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Under the Lilacs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Minute
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Under the Lilacs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Astonishment
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Under the Lilacs; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.