Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Queed: A Novel
Queed: A Novel

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Queed: A Novel
Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"Good-evening," said the agent, icily.
He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.
From the door the girl glanced back.
Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."
In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Queed: A Novel

Chapter III

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"Good-evening," said the agent, icily.
Line 2
He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.
Line 3
From the door the girl glanced back.
Line 4
Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."
Line 5
In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

Learner Dictionary

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

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."”

Duty noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.”

Toward preposition US /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading “In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.”

All words in this reading · 69

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

agent

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

From this reading "Good-evening," said the agent, icily.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

annotation

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

answer

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

back

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

From this reading From the door the girl glanced back.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

book

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

bowed

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

cleanly

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

collector

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

dining-room

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

discover

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

door

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

From this reading From the door the girl glanced back.

drawn

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

DutynounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

ear

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

ended

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

engrossed

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

faring

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

Fifi

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

frank

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the door the girl glanced back.

further

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

girl

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

From this reading From the door the girl glanced back.

glanced

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

From this reading From the door the girl glanced back.

Good-evening

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

From this reading "Good-evening," said the agent, icily.

grim

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

hail

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

hand

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

heavy

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

how

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

icily

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

From this reading "Good-evening," said the agent, icily.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

interview

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

keyhole

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

Man's

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

met

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

method

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

more

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

Mr

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

Neighbors

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

once

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

pencil

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

Queed

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

resolute

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

said

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

From this reading "Good-evening," said the agent, icily.

salute

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

satisfactorily

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

Sharlee

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

slightly

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

study

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "Good-evening," said the agent, icily.

there

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

tipping

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

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

uttering

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Mr. Queed had drawn his heavy book before him, pencil in hand, and was once more engrossed in the study and annotation of "Man's Duty to His Neighbors."

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In the hail Sharlee met Fifi, who was tipping toward the dining-room to discover, by the frank method of ear and keyhole, how the grim and resolute collector was faring.

word

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

From this reading He bowed slightly in answer to the salute, uttering no further word; for him the interview ended right there, cleanly and satisfactorily.