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 --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
account
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
ANATOLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
any
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From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
boots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
brother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
Brothers
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From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
by-street-now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
dirai
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From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
distinction
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From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
elder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
End
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
est
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
failed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
Family
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From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
fashionably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
father's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
fit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
FRANCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
German
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
Gessler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
inconceivable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
inhabiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
Je
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
l'exces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
mal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
merely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
ordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
pairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
que
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
quiet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
reaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
Royal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
shops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
sign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
tenement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
toujours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
troubled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
un
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
unvarying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
vous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Je vous dirai que l'exces est toujours un mal."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
West
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I remember that it always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered, reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he made could ever have failed to fit.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That tenement had a certain quiet distinction; there was no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal Family--merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers; and in the window a few pairs of boots.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.
youth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading --ANATOLE FRANCE I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street-now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End.