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The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson
The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson

Chapter XV

Cover illustration for The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.
George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.
For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.
Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.
For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson

Chapter XV

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

Line 1
MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.
Line 2
George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.
Line 3
For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.
Line 4
Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.
Line 5
For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

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 “For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.”

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.”

Interrupted noun US /ˈinterrupted/

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

From this reading “George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.”

Terrible noun US /ˈterrible/

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

From this reading “George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.”

All words in this reading · 89

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 a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

act

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

affair

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

all

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

any

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

assistance

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

away

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

became

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

BROWN

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

From this reading MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.

business

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

coming

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

counter

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

DAY

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

From this reading MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.

days

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

doubtful

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

engaged

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

establishment

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

evidence

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

feelings

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

firm

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

gave

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

George

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

get

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

give

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

giving

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

going

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

house

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

indifferent

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

interruptednounUS /ˈinterrupted/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

keep

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

matter

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

men

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

MISS

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

From this reading MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.

Morony

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

Mr

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

Mrs

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

NAMES

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

From this reading MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.

necessary

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

notice

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

others

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

paralyzed

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

possible

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

proceeds

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

retail

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

rid

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

Robinson

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

some

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

talking

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

terriblenounUS /ˈterrible/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MISS BROWN NAMES THE DAY.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

trade

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

unable

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

understanding

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

very

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

week

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

whole

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

From this reading For some days after that the whole establishment was engaged in thinking, talking, and giving evidence about the matter, and it was all that the firm could do to keep the retail trade going across the counter.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading George Robinson had been in the very act of coming to an understanding with Mr. Brown as to the proceeds of the business, when he was interrupted by that terrible affair of Mrs. Morony.

women

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading For a week it was doubtful whether it would be possible to keep the house open, and during that week Mr. Brown was so paralyzed by his feelings that he was unable to give any assistance.

young

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

From this reading Some of the young men and women gave notice, and went away; and others became so indifferent that it was necessary to get rid of them.