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The Grey Monk
The Grey Monk

Chapter XXII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.
Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.
Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”
Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:
“The Shrublands, Tuesday.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Grey Monk

Chapter XXII

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.
Line 2
Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.
Line 3
Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”
Line 4
Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:
Line 5
“The Shrublands, Tuesday.

Learner Dictionary

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

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.”

Obtain verb US /əbˈteɪn/

to get something, especially through effort

From this reading “Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.””

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.””

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.””

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.””

All words in this reading · 107

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 PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

absent-mindedness

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

advancing

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

always

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

arch

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

becoming

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

breakfast-table

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

butler

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

carefully

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

case

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

caused

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

certain

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

china

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

Clare

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

correspondence

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

Couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:

down

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

effect

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

elbow

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

EVENTS

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

eyebrows

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

eyes

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

fits

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

follows

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

From this reading Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:

forehead

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

frequent

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

furtive

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

Gilbert

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

glance

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

grandfather

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

lapsed

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

laying

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

letter

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

letters

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

Luigi

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

made

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

master

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

means

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

moment

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

more

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

obtainverbUS /əbˈteɪn/

to get something, especially through effort

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

opposite

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From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

other

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From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

possible

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From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

PROGRESS

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From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

read

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

second

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

September

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From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

shaggy

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From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

Shrublands

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From this reading “The Shrublands, Tuesday.

side

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From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

Sir

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From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

sly

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

small

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

table

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

teapot

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

then

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

Trant

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

Tuesday

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

From this reading “The Shrublands, Tuesday.

unheedful

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

unusual

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

usual

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

watching

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

way

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

wish

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

From this reading Could he have had his wish, he would have read as follows:

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

wondering

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

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Luigi, from the opposite side of the table, was watching him with furtive eyes, and wondering whether it would be possible to obtain a sly glance over the letter which had had such an unusual effect upon his “grandfather.”

wrinkle

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

From this reading THE PROGRESS OF EVENTS Among other letters which Sir Gilbert Clare found on his breakfast-table on a certain September morning, was one which caused him to wrinkle his forehead and arch his shaggy eyebrows in a way by no means usual with him.

years

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

From this reading Before laying it down he read it carefully through a second time, and then, unheedful of his other correspondence, and of the small china teapot at his elbow which was always brought in by Trant, the butler, the moment his master made his appearance, he lapsed into one of those fits of absent-mindedness which, in his case, were becoming more frequent with advancing years.