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 It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
abode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
accompany
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From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
accompanying
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
addressed
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From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
alacrity
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
Alexandrovitch
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From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
allow
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
always
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From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
amazement
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
Any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
brief
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
captivity
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From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
communication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
completenounUS /complete/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
eager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
entrusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
envelope
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From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
escape
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From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
evening
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From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
fiaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
folded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
follynounUS /ˈfɑːli/
an action or decision that shows a lack of good judgment
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
foolish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
handkerchief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
lead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
midnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
more
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From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
neatly
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From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
Nicholas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
persons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
pride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
prisoner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any news to a prisoner is always good news.
read
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
resistance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
restored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
securely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
supper-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
tie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
tore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
wait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persons entrusted to accompany Nicholas Alexandrovitch will wait upon him one hour after midnight.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
wearied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was about a week later, that Nicholas Alexandrovitch, wearied by long captivity, was surprised late one evening to find on his supper-table a neatly folded silk handkerchief, together with a letter addressed to himself.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He tore the envelope open with eager alacrity, and read with amazement the following brief communication:-- “If Nicholas Alexandrovitch will securely tie round his face the accompanying handkerchief, and allow, without resistance, some persons to lead him out of his present abode into a _fiaker_, he will find himself restored to complete liberty.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would have been more than folly to allow foolish pride to stand in the way of possible escape.
