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Jessica's First Prayer
Jessica's First Prayer

Chapter XIII

Cover illustration for Jessica's First Prayer
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JESSICA’S MOTHER.
They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.
As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.
Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.
“Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”
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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.

Jessica's First Prayer

Chapter XIII

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JESSICA’S MOTHER.
Line 2
They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.
Line 3
As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.
Line 4
Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.
Line 5
“Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading ““Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.””

Below preposition US /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading “They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.”

Cried noun US /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.””

Drew noun US /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading ““Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.””

Impulse noun US /ˈɪmpʌls/

a sudden strong desire to act

From this reading “As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.”

Passage noun US /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading “Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

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

From this reading “Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.””

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

air

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

breath

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

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

burden

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

carried

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

carrying

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

chamber

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

children

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

closed

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

closer

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

crept

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

criednounUS /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

Daniel

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

darkness

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

darted

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

deep

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

detected

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

door

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

drewnounUS /drew/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

eagerly

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

encouragement

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

end

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

eyelids

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

eyes

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

face

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

father's

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

hall

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

heard

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

heavy

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

helpless

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpʌls/

a sudden strong desire to act

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

Jane

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

Jessica

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

JESSICA'S

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

From this reading JESSICA’S MOTHER.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

led

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

listening

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

minister's

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

MOTHER

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

From this reading JESSICA’S MOTHER.

near

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

Oh

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

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

opening

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

other

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

out

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

pale

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

papa

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

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

passagenounUS /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

past

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

peaceful

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

pressed

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

procession

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

quick

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

sad

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

saw

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

shut

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

sleep

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

soon

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

sounds

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

staircase

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

stairs

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

Standring

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

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

steps

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

study

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

From this reading Jessica’s quick eyes detected Daniel standing in the darkness at the end of the passage, and as soon as the sad procession had passed into the minister’s chamber, and the door was shut, she darted out and led him eagerly to the study.

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

tender

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

three

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

up

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Oh, Standring!” cried Jane and Winny in one breath, “tell us everything about papa.”

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

way

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

From this reading As the sounds drew near, they crept by one impulse to the door, and opening it a little way they saw their father’s face as he was carried past them, pale but peaceful, with the eyelids closed as if he were in a deep sleep.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

Winny

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

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were heavy steps which the three listening children heard at last in the hall below, and upon the staircase the sounds of carrying a helpless burden up the stairs, and Jane and Winny pressed closer to Jessica, who looked from one to the other with an air of tender encouragement.