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An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope

Chapter XVI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
BEVERLEY.
Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.
He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.
I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.
My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
BEVERLEY.
Line 2
Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.
Line 3
He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.
Line 4
I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.
Line 5
My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Beginning noun US /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Mine pronoun US /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Rejoined noun US /ˈrejoined/

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

From this reading “My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.”

Replied noun US /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.”

All words in this reading · 78

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 Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.

become

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

best

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

BEVERLEY

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

From this reading BEVERLEY.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

clerk

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

clerks

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

country

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

debt

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

destination

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

early

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

fall

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

far

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

few

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

future

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

given

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

Grand

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

grievously

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

impecunious

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

inquire

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

knew

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

le

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

leave

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

like

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

live

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

married

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

Martin's

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

meant

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

Member

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

From this reading I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.

Members

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

minepronounUS /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

Office

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

Parliament

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

From this reading I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.

Post

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

prefer

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

probably

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

rejoinednounUS /ˈrejoined/

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

remain

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

repliednounUS /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.

sarcasm

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

From this reading My uncle, who was given to sarcasm, rejoined that, as far as he knew, few clerks in the Post Office did become Members of Parliament.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

single

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

soon

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

St

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I replied that I should like to be a Member of Parliament.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

town

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

uncle

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

utterly

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

Very

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

War

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Very early in life, very soon after I had become a clerk in St. Martin's le Grand, when I was utterly impecunious and beginning to fall grievously into debt, I was asked by an uncle of mine, who was himself a clerk in the War Office, what destination I should like best for my future life.

wished

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

From this reading He probably meant to inquire whether I wished to live married or single, whether to remain in the Post Office or to leave it, whether I should prefer the town or the country.