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Young Lives
Young Lives

Chapter X

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Context Illustration Reading 1/9 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.
Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.
A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.
House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.
The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Young Lives

Chapter X

Reading 1/9 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.
Line 2
Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.
Line 3
A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.
Line 4
House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.
Line 5
The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.”

BETWEEN preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Bewildered noun US /bewildered/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Favourites plural noun US /ˈfeɪvərɪts/

people given special treatment

From this reading “The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.”

Question noun US /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading “House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.”

All words in this reading · 118

Every word is available to listen to. 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 THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

amazements

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

any

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

asylum

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

attach

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

beings

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

bent

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

BETWEENprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

bewilderednounUS /bewildered/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

branch

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

business

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

certain

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

cesspool

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

collection

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

consisted

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

curiously

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

day

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

decisive

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

desk

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

don't

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

drains

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

earliest

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

entailing

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

evidently

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

eyes

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

face

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

fantastic

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

favouritesplural nounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪts/

people given special treatment

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

firm

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

FLAG-STONES

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

frequently

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

furtively

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

GRASS

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

grey-headed

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

gusto

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

happy

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

Henry

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

Henry's

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

honours

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

house-rents

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

House-repairs

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

human

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

insane

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

instructive

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

interests

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

keen

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

lonely

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

man

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From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

manner

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From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

meaning

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

mock

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From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

most

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

Mr

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

PartnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

particular

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From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

passionately

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

place

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

poetry

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

pretend

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

questionnounUS /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

questioning

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

questions

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

real

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

repairs

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

sane

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

Smith

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

some

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

strayed

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

studied

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

tenant

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

tenants

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

two

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

unreal

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

visits

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

From this reading Part of the business of the firm consisted in the collection of house-rents, frequently entailing visits from tenants and questions of repairs.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

wet-trap

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

wiry

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

From this reading A certain Mr. Smith, a wiry little grey-headed man, with a keen face and a decisive manner, looked after this branch; and the gusto with which he did it was one of Henry's earliest and most instructive amazements.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

words

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

From this reading The words "cesspool" and "wet-trap"--words to which I don't pretend to attach any meaning--seemed to be particular favourites of his.

world

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.

wrangling

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

From this reading House-repairs were quite evidently his poetry, and he never seemed so happy as when passionately wrangling with a tenant on some question of drains.

Yes

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

From this reading THE GRASS BETWEEN THE FLAG-STONES Yes, it was a curiously unreal world; and, for the first day or two, as Henry, bent, lonely and bewildered, over his desk, studied it furtively with questioning eyes, it seemed to him as though he had strayed into some asylum for the insane, where fantastic interests and mock honours take the place of the real interests and honours of sane human beings.