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His vanished star
His vanished star

Chapter VII

Cover illustration for His vanished star
Context Illustration Reading 1/83 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.
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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.

His vanished star

Chapter VII

Reading 1/83 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.
Line 2
He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.
Line 3
He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.
Line 4
He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.
Line 5
He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

Learner Dictionary

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

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Repeated noun US /repeated/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Resting noun US /ˈresting/

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

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Scanty adjective US /ˈskænti/

small or barely sufficient in amount

From this reading “He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Silence noun US /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Strength noun US /ˈstrength/

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

From this reading “He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

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

From this reading “He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.”

All words in this reading · 118

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 He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

Adelicia

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

agitation

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

anger

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

apparently

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

appealing

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

best

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

black

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

break

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

broke

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

checked

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

colorless

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

damage

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

died

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

down

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

echoes

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

effort

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

elbow

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

equal

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

failed

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

fall

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

far

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

felt

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

forlorn

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

further

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

hardly

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

harsh

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

hastily

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

higher

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

how

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

intent

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

Julia

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

laugh

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

laughing

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

laughter

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

leaned

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

ledge

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

lifted

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

lips

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

malignant

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

midway

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

mirth

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

more

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

near

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

notice

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

object

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

off

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

offense

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

once

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

only

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

out

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

outbreak

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

pallid

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

promptly

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

prone

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

propitiation

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

quick

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

relative

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

remembering

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

repairing

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

repeatednounUS /repeated/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

restingnounUS /ˈresting/

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

revert

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

scantyadjectiveUS /ˈskænti/

small or barely sufficient in amount

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

silently

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

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

sitting

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

slights

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

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

sound

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

spent

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He could only look at her silently, more forlorn, more pallid, more appealing, than before.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

then

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was remembering that Adelicia had told him how prone was Julia to notice slights, and how quick to take offense.

tunnel

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

uncanny

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

violence

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

From this reading He felt hardly equal to the effort of repairing the damage of his outbreak against her relative, so spent was his scanty strength by the violence of his anger and his agitation.

voice

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

waited

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

weird

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He broke out into a harsh laugh, which the echoes repeated so promptly, and with apparently so malignant an intent, that he checked it hastily, and the sound died on his colorless lips; but far down the black tunnel something uncanny seemed to fall to laughing suddenly, and as suddenly to break off; and again a further voice still was lifted in weird mirth, and the laughter failed midway.

wondering

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

From this reading He waited for silence, and then he leaned against a higher ledge near which she was sitting, and, resting his elbow on it, looked at her once more, wondering how he might best revert to his object of propitiation.