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Reuben Roy's temptations
Reuben Roy's temptations

Chapter X

Cover illustration for Reuben Roy's temptations
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.
WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.
It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.
So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.
But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Reuben Roy's temptations

Chapter X

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.
Line 2
WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.
Line 3
It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.
Line 4
So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.
Line 5
But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.”

Help noun US /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.”

WHILST conjunction US /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading “WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.”

All words in this reading · 87

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 WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

able

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

action

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

advice

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

agreeable

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

any

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

best

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

cash

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

CLOUD

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

From this reading THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.

confess

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

desk

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

dishonesty

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

draper's

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

employment

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

engaged

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

entering

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

evening

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

factory

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

forego

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

girl

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

give

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

Grant

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

helpnounUS /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

high

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

involved

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

knew

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

LIFTED

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

From this reading THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

lost

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

much

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

now

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

occurred

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

Owen

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

painful

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

place

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

receiving

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

reluctance

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

Reuben

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

round

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

search

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

seated

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

seeking

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

seen

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

From this reading But a girl was now seated at the high desk receiving cash, and Owen was not to be seen.

shop

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

simply

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

situation

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

subduing

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

suspicion

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE CLOUD IS LIFTED.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

town

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

visited

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

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

way

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

ways

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

weary

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

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So subduing his reluctance, he went one evening to the draper's shop he had before visited, and entering, looked round for Owen.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.

WHILSTconjunctionUS /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading WHILST engaged in his weary search for employment, it occurred to Reuben that Owen Grant, who knew so much about the ways of town, might be able to help him, or at least give him advice as to the best way of seeking a situation.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading It would not be agreeable to Reuben to confess to Owen that he had lost his place at the factory, and was under suspicion of dishonesty, but he was not one to forego any course of action simply because it involved what was painful.