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Petticoat Rule
Petticoat Rule

Chapter XXV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.
He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.
But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.
Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.
"Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.
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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.

Petticoat Rule

Chapter XXV

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.
Line 2
He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.
Line 3
But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.
Line 4
Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.
Line 5
"Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.”

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.”

Astonished adjective US /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/

very surprised

From this reading “But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.”

Directly noun US /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading “Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

FIRST noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.”

Nodded noun US /nodded/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

Whilst conjunction US /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading “He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.”

All words in this reading · 95

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 entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

alacrity

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

all

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

aristocratic

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

astonishedadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/

very surprised

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

attentions

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

beamed

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

bestowed

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

bored

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

caught

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

certainly

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

close

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

consort's

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

conversation

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

cordially

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

detested

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

DirectlynounUS /ˈdirectly/

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

DOUBT

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

engaged

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

entered

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

entourage

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

evenings

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

face

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

far

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

FIRSTnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

frigid

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

good-natured

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

hand

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

honour

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

houses

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

kissed

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

leave

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

less

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

Lydie

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

Majesty

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

Marquise

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

noddednounUS /nodded/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

paid

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

pavane

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

positively

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

presented

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

Queen's

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

received

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

reception

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

respects

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

room

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

royal

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

scandal-mongers

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

scions

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

sight

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

smile

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

stepping

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

sugary

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

surfeit

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

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

tones

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

turned

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

usually

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

From this reading THE FIRST DOUBT His Majesty certainly looked far less bored than he usually did on his royal consort's reception evenings.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading But when he caught sight of Lydie, he positively beamed at her, and astonished all the scandal-mongers by the surfeit of attentions which he bestowed on her.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

whilstconjunctionUS /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

wife

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.

Willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He entered the room with a good-natured smile on his face, which did not leave him, even whilst he kissed the frigid Queen's hand, and nodded to her entourage, every one of whom he cordially detested.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Will you honour us by stepping the pavane with us, Marquise?" he asked in sugary tones.

young

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

From this reading Directly after he had paid his respects to his wife and received the young scions of ancient aristocratic houses, that were being presented to him, he turned with great alacrity to Lydie and engaged her in close conversation.