Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4
The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4

Chapter I

Cover illustration for The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4
Context Illustration Reading 1/92 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.
But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?
The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.
He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.
At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4

Chapter I

Reading 1/92 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.
Line 2
But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?
Line 3
The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.
Line 4
He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.
Line 5
At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

Learner Dictionary

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

Amidst preposition US /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Mixed verb US /mɪkst/

involved with or connected to

From this reading “He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.”

Morning noun US /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Passage noun US /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Question noun US /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Step noun US /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Sudden noun US /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.”

Thin adjective US /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading “He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.”

All words in this reading · 112

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 his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

always

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

anxiety

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

avoided

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

begin

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

blunders

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

bring

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

call

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

campaign

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

clear

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

compromising

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

conceited

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

consuming

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

day

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

discretion

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

displayed

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

Don

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

door

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

doubtless

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

ecclesiastical

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

enforced

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

exaggerated

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

face

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

far

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

fear

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

fever

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

finish

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

Frenchman

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

greatly

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

impatience

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

inactivity

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

informed

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

inside

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

inspiration

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

intricate

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

less

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

luckily

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

man

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

mixedverbUS /mɪkst/

involved with or connected to

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

opening

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

passagenounUS /ˈpassage/

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

perceived

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

period

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

perplexed

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

Pierre

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

proved

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

purposely

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

questionnounUS /ˈquestion/

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

realised

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

reality

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

recently

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

saffron

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

secretary

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

sharing

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

steer

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

stepnounUS /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

suddennounUS /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

things

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

timorous

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

trembled

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

unsociable

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

up

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

very

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

Vigilio

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

well

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

wished

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

world

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

young

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.