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Captain Jim
Captain Jim

Chapter V · How the Cook-Lady Found Her Level

Cover illustration for Captain Jim
Context Illustration Reading 1/66 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.
Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.
Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.
“Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.
“She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Captain Jim

Chapter V · How the Cook-Lady Found Her Level

Reading 1/66 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.
Line 2
Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.
Line 3
Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.
Line 4
“Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.
Line 5
“She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Agony noun US /ˈæɡ.ə.ni/

Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.”

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading ““She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.””

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Chilly adjective US /ˈtʃɪli/

unpleasantly cold

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Feeling noun US /ˈfeeling/

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

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Hailed noun US /hailed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Relief noun US /rɪˈliːf/

a feeling of comfort after worry or pain

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.”

Whenever conjunction US /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading “Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.”

All words in this reading · 80

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 Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

acclamation

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

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

activities

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

agonynounUS /ˈæɡ.ə.ni/

Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

all

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

Allenby

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

any

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

battle

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

bless

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

cheerfulness

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

chillyadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪli/

unpleasantly cold

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

cook-lady

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

days

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

delayed

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

discipline

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

doesn't

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

due

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

encountered

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

evidence

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

face

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

feelingnounUS /ˈfeeling/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

gave

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

going

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

hailednounUS /hailed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

heart

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

housekeeper

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

label

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

later

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

letter

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

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

Linton

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

longer

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

maids

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

mail

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

military

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

Moroney's

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

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

Mr

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

Mrs

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

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

much

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

Norah

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

particular

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

recommend

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/

a feeling of comfort after worry or pain

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

retained

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

said

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

From this reading “Two maids she can recommend, bless her heart!” said Mr. Linton.

Sarah

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

says

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

soon

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

there

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

ThereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore Mrs. Moroney’s letter was hailed with acclamation.

they'll

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Allenby alone retained any cheerfulness; and much of that was due to ancient military discipline.

too

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

Two

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

willing

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

From this reading “She doesn’t label their particular activities, but says they’ll be willing to do anything at all.”

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.

wooden

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

From this reading Two days later, the morning mail brought relief—not too soon, for there was evidence that the battle between the housekeeper and the cook-lady could not be much longer delayed, and Sarah was going about with a face of wooden agony that gave Norah a chilly feeling whenever she encountered her.