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Donal Grant
Donal Grant

Chapter XXIII

Cover illustration for Donal Grant
Context Illustration Reading 1/43 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MORVEN HOUSE.
Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.
Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.
The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!
It was strange!
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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.

Donal Grant

Chapter XXIII

Reading 1/43 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MORVEN HOUSE.
Line 2
Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.
Line 3
Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.
Line 4
The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!
Line 5
It was strange!

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

Above preposition US /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading “Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.”

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

Sharply noun US /ˈsharply/

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

From this reading “The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.”

All words in this reading · 85

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 Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

Almost

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

avoid

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

brewery

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

bring

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

brushed

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

building

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

curiosity

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

desiring

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

dinner-time

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

Donal

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

door

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

dust

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

entered

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

entrance

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

feet

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

front

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

gathering

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

hall

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

high

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

HOUSE

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

From this reading MORVEN HOUSE.

humbler

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

idle

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

key

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

large

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

lay

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

lock

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

lofty

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

marble

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

middle

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

MORVEN

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

From this reading MORVEN HOUSE.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

now

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

off

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

opened

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

Opposite

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

people

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

put

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

sharplynounUS /ˈsharply/

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

shut

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

soul

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

stables

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

story

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

strange

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

From this reading It was strange!

streak

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

street

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

table

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

there

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

thick

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

timed

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

tiptoe

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

From this reading Almost on tiptoe he entered the lofty hall, high above the first story.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

town

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

visible

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

wall

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The dust lay thick on a large marble table--but what was that?--a streak across it, brushed sharply through the middle of the dust!

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Opposite Morven House was a building which had at one time been the stables to it, but was now part of a brewery; a high wall shut it off from the street; it was dinner-time with the humbler people of the town, and there was not a soul visible, when Donal put the key in the lock of the front door, opened it, and went in: he had timed his entrance so, desiring to avoid idle curiosity, and bring no gathering feet about the house.