Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
John, A Love Story
John, A Love Story

Chapter XII

Cover illustration for John, A Love Story
Context Illustration Reading 1/51 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.
Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.
She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.
“He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.
Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

John, A Love Story

Chapter XII

Reading 1/51 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.
Line 2
Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.
Line 3
She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.
Line 4
“He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.
Line 5
Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

Strangely noun US /ˈstrangely/

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

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading ““He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.”

All words in this reading · 110

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 Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

all

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

attempting

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

aware

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

breakfast

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

calm

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

checked

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

common

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

cross

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

crying

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

deal

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

determination

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

displeasure

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

disturbed

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

engagement

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

exultation

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

eyes

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

family

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

filled

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

fortunately

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

gay

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

happened

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

happiness

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

height

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

household

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

how

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

ignore

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

instead

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

irritation

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

John

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

jokes

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

just

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

Kate

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

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

laughing

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

met

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

Mitford

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

momentary

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

more

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

NextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

own

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

pale

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

paler

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

papa

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

red

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

sat

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

say

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

see

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

spirits

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

strange

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

strangelynounUS /ˈstrangely/

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

subdued

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

talking

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “He is thinking of what he is to say to papa,” was the thought that passed through her mind; and this thought fortunately checked her momentary displeasure.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

unusually

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

usual

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

very

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

From this reading Mrs Mitford was paler still, and her eyes looked red, as if she had been crying; but instead of being subdued or cross, she was in unusually gay spirits, it seemed to Kate--talking a great deal more than usual, even laughing, and attempting little jokes which sat very strangely upon her.

voice

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Kate, to be sure, did not know what had happened.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Next morning the household met at breakfast with that strange determination to look just as usual, and ignore all that had happened, which is so common in life.

wonder

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

From this reading She was aware of nothing but her own engagement which could have disturbed the family calm; and it filled her with wonder, and even irritation, to see how pale John looked, who ought to have been at the height of happiness, and how little exultation was in his voice.