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Cousin Betty
Cousin Betty

Chapter XXIII

Cover illustration for Cousin Betty
Context Illustration Reading 1/40 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
“Wait a little.
I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”
The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.
At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.
At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.
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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.

Cousin Betty

Chapter XXIII

Reading 1/40 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
“Wait a little.
Line 2
I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”
Line 3
The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.
Line 4
At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.
Line 5
At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

Learner Dictionary

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

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Choose noun US /choose/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Drew noun US /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.”

Forgotten adjective US /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading “The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““Wait a little.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.”

Replied noun US /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.””

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.”

All words in this reading · 106

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 “Wait a little.

all

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

almost

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

anxieties

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

aware

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

back

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

Baron

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

blows

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

brother

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

came

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

cheerful

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

choosenounUS /choose/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

cleft

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

company

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

compelled

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

conceal

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

corner

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

danger

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

dinner

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

drewnounUS /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

eleven

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

evening

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

explaining

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

fatherhood

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

find

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

friend

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

full

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

gayest

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

hapless

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

happiness

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

headquarters

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

Hector

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

Hulot

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

humor

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

imagined

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

influence

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

kind

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Wait a little.

Madame

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

man

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

Marneffe

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

Marneffe's

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

Marshal

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

middle

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

more

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

o'clock

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From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

official

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

out

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

pitch

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

pointed

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From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

position

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

repliednounUS /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

Roger

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

room

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

see

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From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

send

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

sofa

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

stick

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

taken

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

true

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

From this reading The humor in which the Baron came back to Madame Marneffe’s may be imagined; he had almost forgotten his fatherhood, for Roger had taken the part of a true and kind friend in explaining the position.

tuned

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

unwonted

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

up

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

Valerie

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

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

Valerie's

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

Wait

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

From this reading “Wait a little.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

way

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading At eleven o’clock, when the evening was at its gayest, for the room was full of company, Valerie drew Hector into a corner of her sofa.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I will see the Marshal,” replied Hulot, “and I will send my brother to see which way the wind blows at headquarters.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading At the same time Valerie’s influence was so great that, by the middle of dinner, the Baron was tuned up to the pitch, and was all the more cheerful for having unwonted anxieties to conceal; but the hapless man was not yet aware that in the course of that evening he would find himself in a cleft stick, between his happiness and the danger pointed out by his friend--compelled, in short, to choose between Madame Marneffe and his official position.