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 Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
Ambrose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
Austin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
Austin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
Blair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
Blair's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
boudoir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
career
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
completely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
countess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
cylinder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
dropped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
ease
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
elbow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
entered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
exclamation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
extremely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
fate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
guilty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
haggard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
haunted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
heavier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
Hitherto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
indicating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
intended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
intently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
knocked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
languidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
listened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
Lottie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
luxurious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
Naples
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
pacing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
piston-rod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
played
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
Presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
remaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
Rivanis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
slower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
smoothly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
straight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
tiger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
tranquil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
upset
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently he heard a step upon the stairs; it was Blair's, but heavier and slower than usual, and it stopped at Austin's door, and Blair knocked.
villainy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Austin Ambrose was pacing up and down, in tiger fashion, the extremely luxurious sitting-room, waiting for Blair to return from the Rivanis'; and Austin Ambrose was anything but tranquil and at ease.
wearied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Austin was almost guilty of an exclamation of surprise as Blair entered, for he handsome face looked so haggard and wearied that it might have been the face of a haunted man.
well-oiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The countess had gone to her boudoir some half an hour since; but she had languidly dropped a few words indicating that she intended remaining up for Blair, and Austin Ambrose listened intently now and again to hear if Blair went straight to his or her room.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hitherto fate had played into his hands so completely that he had run his career of villainy as smoothly as a well-oiled piston-rod works in its cylinder, but the sight of Lottie in Naples, close to his elbow, rather upset him.
