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 For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
action
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
appear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
banker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
Bourbons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
British
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
calm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
clients
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
cool-headed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
dealings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
despised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
Emigration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
esteem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
facing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
Faubourg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
fellows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
flight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
Germain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
hater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
legs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
Louvre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
overstate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
Palais
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
panic-stricken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
placid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
progress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
pushing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
quitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
Royal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On quitting the Louvre, by the door facing the Palais Royal, Turner moved to the left.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
Seine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
stayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
stout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
stride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
suggested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
Terror
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
topsy-turvy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
Turner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
walked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For this placid British banker was known to be a good hater.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.
wheels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To say that he walked would be to overstate the action of his little stout legs, which took so short a stride that his progress suggested wheels and some one pushing behind.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His father before him, it was said, had had dealings with the Bourbons, while many a great family of the Emigration would have lost more than the esteem of their fellows in their panic-stricken flight, had it not been that one cool-headed and calm man of business stayed at his post through the topsy-turvy days of the Terror, and did his duty by the clients whom he despised.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine, though his clients were few in the Faubourg St. Germain.