Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Les Misérables
Les Misérables

Chapter XCVII

Chapter 97, section 1: The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers. These booths were all illuminated, because the
Context Illustration Reading 1/6 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.
These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”
In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.
The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.
In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.
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.

Les Misérables

Chapter XCVII

Reading 1/6 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.
Line 2
These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”
Line 3
In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.
Line 4
The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.
Line 5
In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

Learner Dictionary

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

line noun US /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading “The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.”

Collocations
The lineA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
line ofA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 96

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 These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

all

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

background

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

booths

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

burning

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

candles

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

church

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

citizens

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

compensation

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

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

crepe

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

doll

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

door

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

dressed

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

effect

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

enamel

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

established

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

extended

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

eyes

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

far

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

feet

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

forwardsnounUS /ˈforwards/

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

funnels

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

glass

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

glittering

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

gold

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

hair

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

head

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

high

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

hostelry

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

illuminated

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

immense

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

linenounUS /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

magical

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

magnificent

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

mass

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

midnight

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

napkins

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

nearly

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

objects

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

observed

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

open-air

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

opposite

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

paper

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

pass

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

pink

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

placed

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

precisely

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

produced

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

reader

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

real

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

robe

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

row

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

schoolmaster

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

seated

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

sky

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

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

soon

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

stalls

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

star

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

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

starting

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

table

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

then

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

Thénardiers

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

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

tin

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

tinsel

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

toy-shop

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

From this reading The last of these stalls, established precisely opposite the Thénardiers’ door, was a toy-shop all glittering with tinsel, glass, and magnificent objects of tin.

two

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

visible

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

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In compensation, not a star was visible in the sky.

way

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

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

wheat-ears

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

white

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

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In the first row, and far forwards, the merchant had placed on a background of white napkins, an immense doll, nearly two feet high, who was dressed in a robe of pink crepe, with gold wheat-ears on her head, which had real hair and enamel eyes.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The line of open-air booths starting at the church, extended, as the reader will remember, as far as the hostelry of the Thénardiers.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading These booths were all illuminated, because the citizens would soon pass on their way to the midnight mass, with candles burning in paper funnels, which, as the schoolmaster, then seated at the table at the Thénardiers’ observed, produced “a magical effect.”