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Merkland
Merkland

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Merkland
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.
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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.

Merkland

Chapter III

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.
Line 2
All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.
Line 3
There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.
Line 4
But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.
Line 5
Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

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 “All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Bustle noun US /ˈbʌsəl/

busy and excited activity

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Continued noun US /ˈcontinued/

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

From this reading “There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Hailed noun US /hailed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.”

Worthy adjective US /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading “During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.”

All words in this reading · 124

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 There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

absence

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

Alice

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

all

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

anxious

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

Arms

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

aroused

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

Aytoun's

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

birthday

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

breathlessly

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/

busy and excited activity

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

celebrated

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

cogitations

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

contrasting

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

country-side

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

curls

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

dinner

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

dinner-party

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

dress

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

energies

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

extensive

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

families

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

father's

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

festivities

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

following

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

gala

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

gave

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

gay

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

gown

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

hailednounUS /hailed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

heart

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

home

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

invitations

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

Lairds

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

landlord

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

larger

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

laughed

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

leaped

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

Lewis

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

Lewis's

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

light

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

majority

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

many

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

matter

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

Merkland

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

moment

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

Mrs

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

much

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

occasion

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

only

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

own

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

place

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

Portoran

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

preparations

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

pretty

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

quiet

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

received

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

risen

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

Ross

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

Ross's

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

round

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

scale

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

secretly

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

silk

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

sleeves

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

small

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

solemn

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

some

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

Strathoran

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

surmisings

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

Sutherland

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

tenantry

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

there

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

too

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

touching

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

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Alice Aytoun's gay heart leaped breathlessly at the thought of them, and many anxious cogitations had risen under her fair curls, touching that pretty gown of light silk, which was her only gala dress.

underlings

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

unwonted

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

very

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

week

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading All the Lairds' families round about had received invitations to the solemn dinner-party, at which Lewis Ross was, for the first time, to take his father's place.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading During the following week there were great preparations and much bustle in Merkland, for Lewis's birthday was to be celebrated with unwonted festivities, and all Mrs. Ross's energies were aroused to make an appearance worthy the occasion.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading But yet, on a small scale, as they were, these same Merkland festivities were a matter of some moment in the quiet country-side.

youthful

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

From this reading There was to be a dinner, too, in the Sutherland Arms, at Portoran, of the not very extensive tenantry of Merkland, at which the landlord and his underlings laughed in their sleeves, contrasting it secretly with the larger festivities which had hailed the majority of the youthful Sutherland of Strathoran, whose continued absence from his own home, gave occasion for so many surmisings.