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The Heir
The Heir

Chapter XVII · Unmasked

Cover illustration for The Heir
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.
She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.
It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.
Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.
And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Heir

Chapter XVII · Unmasked

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.
Line 2
She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.
Line 3
It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.
Line 4
Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.
Line 5
And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

Learner Dictionary

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

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.”

Believe noun US /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Confidence noun US /ˈconfidence/

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

From this reading “It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.”

Determined adjective US /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.”

Hands plural noun US /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

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

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

None pronoun US /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading “It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.”

All words in this reading · 99

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 In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

acting

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

action

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

all

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

announcing

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

arrival

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

believenounUS /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

bridge

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

common

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

confide

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

confidencenounUS /ˈconfidence/

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

conviction

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

creaking

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

disclosure

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

disturbed

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

Eirene

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

emissary

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

exist

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

give

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

gulf

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

hand

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

how

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

important

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

indispensable

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

infinite

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

insist

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

kind

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

Maurice

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

more

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

night

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

oppressed

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

optimistic

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

other

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

owned

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

persistent

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

pique

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

realised

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

receive

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

refuse

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

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

remain

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

resolved

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

return

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

risks

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

sacrifice

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

Scythian

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

shouts

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

situation

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

soothe

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

spite

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

tend

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

three

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From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

too

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

unfair

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

view

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

welcome

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading It was unfair, she owned, to receive her confidence and give her none in return, but the risks were too great.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading And, on the other hand, she might refuse to believe it, and in her pique insist on acting alone, when common action on the part of the three was indispensable.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading She was oppressed by the conviction that she ought to confide in Eirene, while at the same time she was resolved to do nothing of the kind.

windlass

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Eirene might welcome the disclosure, since it would bridge the infinite gulf she must believe to exist between herself and Maurice, but it might make her all the more determined to sacrifice herself, if she realised how important it was that he should not remain in Scythian hands.

Zoe

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

From this reading In spite of her optimistic view of the situation, Zoe passed a disturbed night, which the shouts and the persistent creaking of the windlass announcing the arrival of the Scythian emissary did not tend to soothe.