Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
A Certain Rich Man
A Certain Rich Man

Chapter V

Cover illustration for A Certain Rich Man
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.
He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.
During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.
He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.
Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Certain Rich Man

Chapter V

Reading 1/33 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.
Line 2
He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.
Line 3
During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.
Line 4
He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.
Line 5
Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

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 “He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

Colours noun US /ˈcolours/

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

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

Cravat noun US /krəˈvæt/

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading “He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.”

Hear noun US /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

Returned noun US /ˈreturned/

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

From this reading “John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.”

All words in this reading · 116

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

1872

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

absence

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

absent

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

acquired

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

all

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Barclay

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

baritone

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

black

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Bob

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

build

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

came

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

checked

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

choir

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Church

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

clothes

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

coat

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

coloursnounUS /ˈcolours/

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Congregational

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

cravatnounUS /krəˈvæt/

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Culpepper

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

dapper

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

degree

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

distinctly

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

down

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

dresses

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

end

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

face

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

five

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

flowered

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

full-fledged

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

gay

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

going

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

grown

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

hearnounUS /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Hendricks

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

holding

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

home

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

indoors

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

invited

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Jane

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

John

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

law

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

license

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

line

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Logan

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

man

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

Mason

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

master's

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

McHurdie

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

men

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

miles

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Minneola

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Molly

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Monday

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

mother

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Mrs

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

Nellie

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

off

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

other

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

out

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

pale

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

period

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Philemon

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

practise

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

rather

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

returnednounUS /ˈreturned/

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

Ridge

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

rubbed

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

see

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

sing

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

singing

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

slight

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

sombre

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

state

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

sunburn

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

Sycamore

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

tenor

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

tight-fitting

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.

trousers

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

university

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

From this reading During the five years he had been absent from Sycamore Ridge he had acquired a master's degree from the state university, and a license to practise law.

up

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

voice

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

Ward

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

Watts

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

whereat

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

white

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

From this reading He was distinctly dapper, in the black and white checked trousers, the flowered cravat, and tight-fitting coat of the period; and the first Monday after he and his mother went to the Congregational Church, whereat John let out his baritone voice, he was invited to sing in the choir.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

worth

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

year

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

From this reading Bob Hendricks came home a year before John, and with Bob and Watts McHurdie singing tenor at one end of the choir, and John and Philemon Ward holding down the other end of the line, with Mrs. Ward, Nellie Logan, Molly Culpepper, and Jane Mason of Minneola,--grown up out of short dresses in his absence,--all in gay colours between the sombre clothes of the men, the choir in the Congregational Church was worth going miles to see--if not to hear.

years

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

From this reading He was of a slight build and rather pale of face, for five years indoors had rubbed the sunburn off.

young

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

From this reading John Barclay returned to Sycamore Ridge in 1872 a full-fledged young man.