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 Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
All
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
avail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
baths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
broke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
calamities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
cause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
chemical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
circulated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
Demoiselle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
direct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
doctornounUS /doctor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
dressmaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
elevate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
establishment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
EvennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
fallen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
forewoman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
Fortunately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
Frenchwoman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
Grifoni
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
health
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
ill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
illness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
insistedverbUS /ɪnˈsɪstɪd/
demanded something firmly
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
Italian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
Lucca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
Mademoiselle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
master-stroke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
minor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
misfortune
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
nefarious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
Paris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
Pisa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
practices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
produced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
producing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
replacing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
reports
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
rival
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
sacrifice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
situation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
sorts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
specimens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
succeeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
suggest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately for the Demoiselle Grifoni, the Frenchwoman had succeeded in producing three specimens of her art before her health broke down.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
treacherous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the master-stroke of replacing the treacherous Italian forewoman by a French dressmaker, engaged direct from Paris, did not at first avail to elevate the great Grifoni establishment above the reach of minor calamities.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
Virginie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But, however the misfortune had been produced, it was a fact that Mademoiselle Virginie was certainly very ill, and another fact that the doctor insisted on her being sent to the baths of Lucca as soon as she could be moved from her bed.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mademoiselle Virginie had not occupied her new situation at Pisa quite a week before she fell ill.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All sorts of reports were circulated as to the cause of this illness; and the Demoiselle Grifoni even went so far as to suggest that the health of the new forewoman had fallen a sacrifice to some nefarious practices of the chemical sort, on the part of her rival in the trade.
