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Will Warburton
Will Warburton

Chapter XXXV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/37 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.
"I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.
"I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.
Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.
You shall go to-morrow instead."
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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.

Will Warburton

Chapter XXXV

Reading 1/37 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.
Line 2
"I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.
Line 3
"I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.
Line 4
Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.
Line 5
You shall go to-morrow instead."

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Afternoon noun US /ˈafternoon/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “"I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Liberty noun US /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Replied noun US /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.”

Shall modal verb US /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading “You shall go to-morrow instead."”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

Wages plural noun US /ˈweɪdʒɪz/

money or a reward earned for work

From this reading “On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.”

All words in this reading · 81

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

all

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

Bertha

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

bluntly

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

brother

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

convenient

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

Cross

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

day

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

domestic

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

don't

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

evening

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

eyes

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

go

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

half-frightened

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

holiday

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

house

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

I'd

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

I'm

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

informed

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

instead

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

From this reading You shall go to-morrow instead."

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

isn't

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

just

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

like

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

lost

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

Martha

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

Miss

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

month's

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

Mrs

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

mum

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

odd

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

out

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

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

postponed

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

promised

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

really

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

received

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

repliednounUS /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

see

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading You shall go to-morrow instead."

soon

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

sorry

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

summoned

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

to-day

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

to-morrow

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

From this reading You shall go to-morrow instead."

usual

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

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

very

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

wagesplural nounUS /ˈweɪdʒɪz/

money or a reward earned for work

From this reading On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic, and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.

watery

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

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

wife

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

From this reading "I'd promised to go and see my brother as has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient, mum--" "It really is not, Martha.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Miss Bertha will be out all day, and I don't like being left alone.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading "I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened look in her watery eyes.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You shall go to-morrow instead."