to be enigmatic; to be puzzling; to be wrapped in mystery
elucidation; explication; explaining; unravelling; clarification; understanding
handful; small amount; small number
founder; originator; pioneer
ageing; aging; senile deterioration
moustache; beard; whiskers (on a cat, etc.); feelers (on an insect, etc.); shadow (on a candlestick chart)
opening (a door, window, etc.); leaving open; opening up (e.g. to the public); allowing (public) access
to perceive; to sense; to take in; to grasp; to feel
recommendation; endorsement
to become sulky; to become irresponsible (due to disgruntlement)
careful selection; careful screening; hand-picking
this occasion; at this time; now
to put on airs; to assume importance
sincere; earnest; serious
to soak into; to permeate; to penetrate
to appear; to come in sight; to become visible; to be expressed (e.g. emotions); to become apparent (e.g. trends, effects)
half in doubt; half-convinced; dubious; incredulous
to pay no attention to (while listening); to take no notice of; to ignore; to let go in one ear and out the other
(with) only a few left; (with) little left
grounds; foundation; authority; support; prop; something upon which to rely
brilliant; glorious; glittering; bright; splendid (e.g. achievement, success); promising (e.g. future)
steward; butler; court official; deacon (Anglican, Lutheran, etc.)
rustling; flapping; unkempt (hair, etc.); loose; dry; decisively
holiday; day off; sleep; rest; Good night
elderly handyman; elderly manservant
warm; mild; considerate; kind; warm (of a colour); mellow
close; intimate; on good terms
great; excellent; very troublesome; awful; tiring; tough
to have a feeling (that); to have a sensation (that)
to misperceive visually; to misread; to mistake for something or somebody else
to be sullen; to be offended; to be huffy; to be stuffy; to be stifling; to be muggy
to watch steadily; to stare
brow; forehead; prominent forehead; beetle brow; not catching anything (in fishing)
creaking; squeaking; packing in tightly; cramming; hard (pressing, tying, twisting, etc.); tightly
intimate friend; close friend; bosom buddy; chum
recollection; reminiscence