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Far from the Madding Crowd
Far from the Madding Crowd

Chapter XVII · The Same Night—the Fir Plantation

The Same Night—the Fir Plantation, section 1: Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homeste
Context Illustration Reading 1/36 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.
Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.
Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.
As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.
This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Chapter XVII · The Same Night—the Fir Plantation

Reading 1/36 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.
Line 2
Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.
Line 3
Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.
Line 4
As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.
Line 5
This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

Learner Dictionary

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

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.”

All words in this reading · 129

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 Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

affairs

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

all

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

almost

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

anticipated

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

any

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

appointed

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

bailiff

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

Bathsheba

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

bed

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

bedded

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

best

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

bewailing

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

carefully

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

carried

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

closed

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

constancy

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

constantly

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

coolness

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

corners

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

danger

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

dark

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

devotion

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

discovery

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

dispensing

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

door

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

duties

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

evening

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

examine

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

existence

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

expected

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

extent

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

fearlessness

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

fickleness

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

fowls

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

freedom

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

Gabriel

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

going

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

hand

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

homestead

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

horse

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

imposed

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

invisibly

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

known

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

lantern

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

light

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

looking

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

love

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

man's

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

metropolitan

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

mistress

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

much

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

multifarious

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

night

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

nooks

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

now

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

officer

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

only

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

owed

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

particular

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

policeman

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

preceded

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

received

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

round

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

safe

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

see

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

seem

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

services

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

snub

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

somewhat

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

specially

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

surveillance

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

suspicion

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

tender

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

thanklessly

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

then

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

tired

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

tour

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

turned

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

unknown

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

usually

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

From this reading As watching is best done invisibly, she usually carried a dark lantern in her hand, and every now and then turned on the light to examine nooks and corners with the coolness of a metropolitan policeman.

voluntarily

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

watching

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

From this reading Gabriel had almost constantly preceded her in this tour every evening, watching her affairs as carefully as any specially appointed officer of surveillance could have done; but this tender devotion was to a great extent unknown to his mistress, and as much as was known was somewhat thanklessly received.

well

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Among the multifarious duties which Bathsheba had voluntarily imposed upon herself by dispensing with the services of a bailiff, was the particular one of looking round the homestead before going to bed, to see that all was right and safe for the night.

Women

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

From this reading Women are never tired of bewailing man’s fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy.

worst

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

From this reading This coolness may have owed its existence not so much to her fearlessness of expected danger as to her freedom from the suspicion of any; her worst anticipated discovery being that a horse might not be well bedded, the fowls not all in, or a door not closed.