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A Fair Barbarian
A Fair Barbarian

Chapter XIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
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A CLERICAL VISIT.
It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.
His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.
His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.
The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Fair Barbarian

Chapter XIII

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A CLERICAL VISIT.
Line 2
It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.
Line 3
His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.
Line 4
His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.
Line 5
The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

Learner Dictionary

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

Afternoon noun US /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Parlor noun US /ˈpɑːrlər/

an old-fashioned sitting room

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.”

All words in this reading · 78

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 A CLERICAL VISIT.

afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

Arthur

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

assistance

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

Bassett

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

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

Bassett's

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

beguiled

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

Belinda

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

Belinda's

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

calling

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

CLERICAL

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

From this reading A CLERICAL VISIT.

committed

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

croquet

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

day

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

dread

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

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

entertained

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

finally

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

forgetting

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

front

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

greater

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

heard

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

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

indeed

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

inspired

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

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

intended

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

later

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

led

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

making

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

manner

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

matter

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

Miss

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

natural

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

nature

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

object

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

Octavia

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

off

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/

an old-fashioned sitting room

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

parochial

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

play

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

Poppleton

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

possible

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

promise

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

put

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

reports

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

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.

request

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

From this reading His object in calling had been to request Miss Belinda's assistance in a parochial matter.

return

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

Rev

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

spent

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

timorousness

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

From this reading His natural timorousness of nature had indeed led him to put off making the visit for as long a time as possible.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

true

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

two

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

VISIT

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

From this reading A CLERICAL VISIT.

visits

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was indeed true that the Rev. Arthur Poppleton had spent the greater part of his afternoon in Miss Belinda Bassett's front parlor, and that Octavia had entertained him in such a manner that he had been beguiled into forgetting the clerical visits he had intended to make, and had finally committed himself by a promise to return a day or two later to play croquet.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The reports he had heard of Miss Octavia Bassett had inspired him with great dread.