Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

later than; following

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

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

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

inspiring awe or admiration or wonder

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

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

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

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

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

resistant to change, particularly in relation to politics or religion

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

approval

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

plural of “dollar” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

a social unit living together

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

plural of “firm” — the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

at a previous time

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

set up or found

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

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

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

of or relating to hypnosis

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

readiness to embark on bold new ventures

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

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

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

the force of workers available

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

any amazing or wonderful occurrence

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

a form of address for a man

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

literature in metrical form

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

be motionless, in suspension

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

past form of “requisition” — make a formal request for official services

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

plural of “salesman” — a man salesperson

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

plural of “saleswoman” — a woman salesperson

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

plural of “site” — the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

finding a solution to a problem

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

carry out

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

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

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

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

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

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

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

in or at the place that

From this reading Where formerly it had seemed an awesome miracle, like chemistry or poetry, to "close a deal" and bring thousands of dollars into the office, now Una found it quite normal.

during the time that

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading But Mr. Truax had a number of "good, sound, conservative" reasons why this should not be so, and therefore declined to credit the evidence of Una, Beatrice Joline, and saleswomen of other firms that it really was so.

cheerful compliance

From this reading Responsibility gave her more poise and willingness to take initiative.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading To Una and to Mr. Fein it seemed obvious that, since women have at least half of the family decision regarding the purchase of suburban homes, women salesmen of suburban property should be at least as successful as men.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, after solving the Boutell office problem, Una was frequently requisitioned by "Chas." to talk to women about the advantages of sites for themselves and their children, while regular and intelligent (that is, male) salesmen worked their hypnotic arts on the equally regular and intelligent men of the families.