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Villette
Villette

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of Villette is here in full — 134 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.
On the first of May, we had alli.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachersnotice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.
I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projectedrather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.
Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.
One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Villette

Chapter XXXI · Chapter 31

Chapter 31 of Villette is here in full — 134 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.
/em pɔːl kiːps hɪz ˈprɑːməs/
Line 2
On the first of May, we had alli.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachersnotice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.
Line 3
I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projectedrather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.
Line 4
Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.
Line 5
One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.
/wʌn nəˌpoʊliˈɑːnɪk ˈkɑːmpləment ˌhaʊˈevər wɑːz ɪˈnʌf soʊ aɪ meɪd ʌp maɪ maɪnd tuː biː ʌv ðə ˈpɑːrti/

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.

boarders noun US /ˈbɔːrdərz/

plural of “boarder” — a tenant in someone's house

From this reading “On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.”

excursion noun US /ɪkˈskɜːrʒən/

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading “I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.”

fulfil verb US /fʊlˈfɪl/

put in effect

From this reading “On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.”

menacing adjective US /ˈmenəsɪŋ/

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading ““Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.”

Napoleonic adjective US /nəˌpoʊliˈɑːnɪk/

of or relating to or like Napoleon Bonaparte

From this reading “One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.”

projected adjective US /prəˈdʒektəd/

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading “I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.”

repetition noun US /ˌrepəˈtɪʃən/

an event that repeats

From this reading “I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.”

teachers noun US /ˈtiːtʃərz/

plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading “On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.”

All words in this reading · 114

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 I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

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 On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

allusionnounUS /əˈluːʒən/

passing reference or indirect mention

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

boardersnounUS /ˈbɔːrdərz/

plural of “boarder” — a tenant in someone's house

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

breakfastverbUS /ˈbrekfəst/

eat an early morning meal

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

challengeverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒ/

take exception to

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

commandnounUS /kəˈmænd/

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

complimentverbUS /ˈkɑːmpləment/

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

conseille

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

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

contraryadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntreri/

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

difficultiesnounUS /ˈdɪfəkəltiz/

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

dressedadjectiveUS /drest/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

enounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

earnounUS /iːr/

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

Emanuel

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

excursionnounUS /ɪkˈskɜːrʒən/

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

factnounUS /fækt/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

faire

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

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

fivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

fulfilverbUS /fʊlˈfɪl/

put in effect

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.

honournounUS /ˈɑːnər/

the state of being honored

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

how

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

ipronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

imperiallyadverb

in an imperial manner

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

Je

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

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

KEEPSnounUS /kiːps/

plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

lenounUS /lə/

a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

MnounUS /em/

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

From this reading M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

marchverbUS /mɑːrtʃ/

march in a procession

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

menacingadjectiveUS /ˈmenəsɪŋ/

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

NapoleonicadjectiveUS /nəˌpoʊliˈɑːnɪk/

of or relating to or like Napoleon Bonaparte

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

noticenounUS /ˈnoʊtəs/

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/

according to the clock

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/

an organization to gain political power

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

PAULnounUS /pɔːl/

United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

prier

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

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

Professeur

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

projectedadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektəd/

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

PROMISEverbUS /ˈprɑːməs/

make a promise or commitment

From this reading M. PAUL KEEPS HIS PROMISE.

proposedverbUS /prəˈpoʊzd/

past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

pullverbUS /pʊl/

cause to move by pulling

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

raisingnounUS /ˈreɪzɪŋ/

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

readernounUS /ˈriːdər/

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

repetitionnounUS /ˌrepəˈtɪʃən/

an event that repeats

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

riseverbUS /raɪz/

move upward

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

sixnounUS /sɪks/

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

teachersnounUS /ˈtiːtʃərz/

plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading One Napoleonic compliment, however, was enough, so I made up my mind to be of the party.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

venturenounUS /ˈventʃər/

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

Villette

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

vous

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

From this reading “Je vous conseille de vous faire prier,” said M. Emanuel, imperially menacing the other ear.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading On the first of May, we had all—i.e. the twenty boarders and the four teachers—notice to rise at five o’clock of the morning, to be dressed and ready by six, to put ourselves under the command of M. le Professeur Emanuel, who was to head our march forth from Villette, for it was on this day he proposed to fulfil his promise of taking us to breakfast in the country.

wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/

a specific feeling of desire

From this reading I, indeed, as the reader may perhaps remember, had not had the honour of an invitation when this excursion was first projected—rather the contrary; but on my now making allusion to this fact, and wishing to know how it was to be, my ear received a pull, of which I did not venture to challenge the repetition by raising, further difficulties.

Chapter 31 of Villette by Charlotte Brontë holds 134 sentences, grouped into 27 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 31 of Villette contain?

Chapter 31 holds 134 sentences of Villette, unabridged, divided into 27 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 31 of Villette by Charlotte Brontë exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 134 sentences, grouped into 27 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 31 of Villette?

Work through the 27 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 27 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 31 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 31 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 Villette

Common questions about reading Villette by Charlotte Brontë on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Villette?

Yes. All 9433 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9182 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Villette is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #9182, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Villette take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1887 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Villette section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Villette 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 Villette

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

Paulina
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Villette; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Elapsed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Villette; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Appeared
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Villette; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Likely
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Villette; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.