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Country Luck
Country Luck

Chapter XXII

Cover illustration for Country Luck
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.
As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.
This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.
If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.
If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Country Luck

Chapter XXII

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.
Line 2
As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.
Line 3
This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.
Line 4
If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.
Line 5
If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

Learner Dictionary

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

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Answered noun US /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Complimented verb US /ˈkɑmpləmentɪd/

praised or expressed approval of

From this reading “This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.”

SEVERAL noun US /ˈseveral/

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

From this reading “SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Toward preposition US /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading “As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

almost

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

annoying

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

answerednounUS /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

appearances

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

From this reading If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

became

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

believing

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

business-acquaintances

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

came

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

case

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

Christmas

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

complimentedverbUS /ˈkɑmpləmentɪd/

praised or expressed approval of

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

deal

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

deceitful

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

From this reading If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

declined

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

distinct

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

engaged

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

escort

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

evening

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

explaining

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

explanation

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

faces

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

follow

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

given

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

GREEN-EYED

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

From this reading SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

Hayn

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

holidays

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

hurried

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

impression

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

inclination

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

invitation

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

knowing

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

lady

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

lady's

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

Lucia

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

made

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

Miss

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

MONSTERS

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

From this reading SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.

more

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

much

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

new

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

occasionally

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

people

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

perhaps

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

Phil

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

Philip

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

prefer

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From this reading If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

promised

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From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

public

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From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

rallied

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From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

said

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

season

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From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

seem

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

seen

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

SEVERAL

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From this reading SEVERAL GREEN-EYED MONSTERS.

significant

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

smile

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

some

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

somewhere

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

there

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

tongues

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

Tramlay

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From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

usually

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

viva

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

voce

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

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

way

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading This impression became more distinct when some of his new business-acquaintances rallied or complimented him, and when he occasionally declined an invitation, given _viva voce_, by explaining that he had promised to escort Miss Tramlay somewhere that evening.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.

women

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading If he was to seem engaged, he would prefer that appearances might not be deceitful.

York

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

From this reading If this explanation were made to a lady, as was usually the case, a knowing smile, or at least a significant look, was almost sure to follow: it began to seem to Phil that the faces of the young women of New York said a great deal more than their tongues, and said it in a way that could not be answered, which was quite annoying.

young

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

From this reading As the season hurried toward the Christmas holidays, there came to Philip Hayn the impression that he was being seen so much in public with Lucia, never against that young lady’s inclination, that perhaps some people were believing him engaged to her, or sure to be.