even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
tender; kind; gentle; graceful; affectionate; amiable
liquor store; wine shop; bottle shop; sake dealer; liquor-store owner; brewer
to be dying; to be about to die; to be close to death
stimulus; impetus; incentive; encouragement; motivation; provocation
to court; to woo; to approach defiantly
all over (the place); throughout; everywhere; every inch; every part; from head to toe
interest; appeal; attraction; fun
rural area; countryside; the sticks; hometown
painter; artist; painter supported by patron
open; frank; outspoken; unreserved; straightforward; honest
best pupil; leading disciple
empty threat; bluff; paper tiger
birth; lineage; identity; background; provenance; origin
defeat; loss; failing to live up to (one's name, looks, etc.); discount; loss (on a sale)
as is habit; the way life normally is
to all appearances; no matter how you look at it
escape; flight; breakout; fleeing; desertion
trouble; bother; trouble; difficulty; care; attention
extinction; extinguishment; disappearance; annihilation
convenience; accommodation; advantage; benefit; expediency
income; receipts; revenue
not feeling like doing ...; having no mind to ...; being in no mood for ...; indifferent; half-hearted; dispirited
demand; firm request; requisition; requirement; desire
paltry amount of money; cheapness; worthlessness; three one-mon coins
to excuse oneself; to take one's leave; to quit; to resign; to decline; to turn down
intuition; instinct; insight; hunch; immediacy
unflaggingly; steadily; untiringly; knocking; tapping; clicking
genuine autograph; genuine article
to open one's heart; to throw off reserve; to be frank
hot water and tea; hot drinks (esp. while entertaining)
to entertain; to make welcome