Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Squire Arden
Squire Arden

Chapter XXVII

Cover illustration for Squire Arden
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.
Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.
When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.
Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.
“How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.
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.

Squire Arden

Chapter XXVII

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.
Line 2
Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.
Line 3
When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.
Line 4
Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.
Line 5
“How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

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 “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Fair noun US /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading ““How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ““How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading ““How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.”

Remained noun US /ˈremained/

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

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.”

Waiting noun US /ˈwaiting/

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

From this reading “The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.”

All words in this reading · 98

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 The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

accept

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

acquiring

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

all

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

Arden

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

Arthur

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

aside

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

avenue

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

Clare

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

closing

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

conversation

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

cousin

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

defences

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

difficult

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

discomfort

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

doubt

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

exist

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

experiences

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

explanation

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

happened

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

How

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

just

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

knew

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

looks

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

much

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

off

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

older

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

once

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

persistently

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

putting

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

refuse

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

remainednounUS /ˈremained/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

said

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

satisfactory

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

secrets

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

sense

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

shock

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

shrank

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

straightforward

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

strangers

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

suggested

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

suggestion

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

things

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

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

throw

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

thrust

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

uneasiness

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

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

up

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

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

waiting

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “How do I know what his life has been, what things may have happened to him?” she said to herself.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The conversation which Arthur Arden thrust upon Clare by persistently waiting for her in the avenue was not a satisfactory one.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Clare looked at her cousin, who was so much older than herself, and who had been so much in the world, acquiring, no doubt experiences of which she knew nothing, and shrank just a little aside, closing herself up, and putting on all her defences.

world

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Though she could not refuse to accept his explanation that he knew nothing about the strangers, yet a sense of uneasiness and discomfort remained in her mind.

young

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

From this reading When once it is suggested that such secrets exist in a world which looks all fair and straightforward, it is difficult for a young mind to throw off at once the shock of the suggestion.