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 MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
accounted
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From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
alacrity
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From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
ambassador
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From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
announced
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
astonishedadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/
very surprised
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
British
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From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
Chambers
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From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
confer
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From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
consider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
considerate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
day
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
de
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
encounter
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From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
excellent
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From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
Fersen
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
few
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From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
Foreign
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From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
going
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From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
graciously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
history
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
immediately
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From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
induced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
interview
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
M
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
Madame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
minister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
MISSION
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From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
natural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
Office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
pirate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
preoccupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
reflection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
related
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
requested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
rumours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
sadly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
saving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
scoundrelnounUS /ˈskaʊndrəl/
a dishonest or unscrupulous person
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
seize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
servant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
showing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
singular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
Sérigny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
trouble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
used
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From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
V
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From this reading This alacrity on his part did not at first seem natural to me; but, on reflection, I thought the rumours current about me and Madame de V---- had induced the minister to do something in excellent taste by showing himself so considerate.
Variétés
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From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
visit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I was much astonished at his visit, for which, however, he accounted very graciously, saying that, passing by my door on his way to the Chambers, he had come in on the chance of saving me the trouble of going to the Foreign Office for the interview which I had requested.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A MISSION The day after my interview with Madame de Fersen I was sadly preoccupied, when my servant announced M. de Sérigny.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few words I related to him the history of the pirate, and our singular encounter at the Variétés.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading M. de Sérigny said that he was going immediately to confer with the British ambassador, and that he would consider the means to be used in order to seize so great a scoundrel.
