Based on the excerpt is that tom is clearly ignoring his aunt's remorse on purpose. It is stated that he knows that a "yearning glance" was upon him but he refused to recognize it that is to acknowledge it. He even goes so far to imagine denying his aunt what she wants to hear even on his deathbed.
Answer: Focus
Explanation:
In the above sentence, the word ''attention'' is used to communicate focus because it showed a change in interest which is the definition of focus.
The subject in question had been working longer hours but when he stopped, he was able to turn his focus and change his interest towards “Philosophical Studies and Amusements.”
