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The Lost Ambassador
The Lost Ambassador

Chapter XVI

Cover illustration for The Lost Ambassador
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.
I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.
Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.
The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.
Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Lost Ambassador

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.
Line 2
I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.
Line 3
Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.
Line 4
The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.
Line 5
Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.”

Accomplice noun US /əˈkɑːmplɪs/

a person who helps another person commit a crime

From this reading “The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

Equally noun US /ˈequally/

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

From this reading “I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.”

Thing noun US /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.”

All words in this reading · 100

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 TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

accomplicenounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪs/

a person who helps another person commit a crime

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

aid

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

any

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

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

attempt

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

become

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

bestowed

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

brains

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

came

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

conclude

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

conclusion

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

constitution

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

definite

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

Delilah

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

dispensation

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

draw

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

equallynounUS /ˈequally/

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

facts

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

Fate

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

Felicia

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

filled

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

flattering

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

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

gang

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

generous

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

happenings

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

kinds

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

Louis

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

more

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

most

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

muscles

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

ordinary

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

other

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

out

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

people

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

physique

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

pipes

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

please

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

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

reasonable

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

sequence

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

simply

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

situation

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

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

size

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

smoked

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

some

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

sound

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

strayed

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

study

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

summoned

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

tangled

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

thieves

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

TRADE

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

trophies

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

Try

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

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.

TWO

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

vain

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

various

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

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

way

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

From this reading Such a conclusion, however, was not flattering, nor did it please me in any way.

web

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading TWO OF A TRADE I smoked two pipes, one after the other, in a vain attempt to draw out some definite sequence of facts from the tangled web of happenings into which I seemed to have strayed.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The most reasonable thing seemed to be to conclude that Louis was one of a gang of thieves, that I was about to become their accomplice, and that Felicia was simply the Delilah with whom these people had summoned me to their aid.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I came to the conclusion that Fate, which had bestowed on me a physique of more than ordinary size, a sound constitution, and muscles which had filled my study with various kinds of trophies, had not been equally generous in her dispensation of brains.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Try as I would, I could make nothing of the situation in which I found myself.