to be at a loss; to be puzzled
coexistence; living together
cash; ready money; money on hand; mercenary; self-interested; calculating
suddenly; in a flash; rapidly; attractive; distinguished; showy
just because; even if; even though
bustling; busy; crowded; lively (party, voices, etc.); loud; noisy
husband; master (of a house, shop, etc.)
personal (affairs, reasons, etc.)
not at all; don't worry about it; forget about it
slovenly; loose; sluttish; slatternly; untidy; undisciplined
to match (rhythm, speed, etc.); to join together; to unite; to face; to be opposite (someone); to compare; to check with
viewing optimistically; thinking optimistically; taking an optimistic view; looking on the bright side
indicates uncertainty or second hand nature of information quoted
detached house; stand-alone house; single-family home
trying to think of a way (to); devising means (to); working out (how to do); contriving (to raise money); managing