Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
also
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From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
ascertained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Ball
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Ball's
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From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
case
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From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
certainly
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From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
claimed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
claiming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Colza
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From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
compelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
deal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
December
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
deed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
doing
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From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
executed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
execution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
facts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
further
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
idle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
inquiry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Jonathan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
knows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
Lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Lamb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
learned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
Lion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
LittlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
Mackenzie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
Mackenzie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
Maguire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
marry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
Miss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
November
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
October
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
penniless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
pertinacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
previous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
property
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
quell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Walter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
want
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Little Story of the Lion and the Lamb During those three months of October, November, and December, Mr Maguire was certainly not idle.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had, by means of pertinacious inquiry, learned a good deal about Miss Mackenzie; indeed, he had learned most of the facts which the reader knows, though not quite all of them.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading He had ascertained, through Miss Colza, that John Ball now claimed the property by some deed said to have been executed by Jonathan Ball previous to the execution of his will; and he had also learned, from Miss Mackenzie's own lips, in Lady Ball's presence, that she had engaged herself to marry the man who was thus claiming her property.
Why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He had seen Jonathan Ball's will, and he had seen Walter Mackenzie's will.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Why should Mr Ball want to marry her,--who would in such a case be penniless,--but that he felt himself compelled in that way to quell all further inquiry into the thing that he was doing?