| A | B |
|---|
| precarious | uncertain, dangerously insecure or unsteady |
| baffled | confused; bewildered, or perplexed |
| provincial | not city-like; unsophisticated |
| procession | a line or body of people or vehicles moving in a formal, orderly way |
| insular | narrow-mind |
| valid | legally sound, effective, or binding |
| intensity | great force, strength or energy |
| incomprehensible | impossible to understand |
| sedately | calmly, quietly, or in a composed manner |
| sprinted | raced or moved around at full speed for a short distance |
| tepid | moderately warm; lukewarm |
| semidarkness | partial darkness |
| peevishness | fretfulness; irritability |
| vial | a small container, often made of glass, for holding liquids |
| brood | a number of young produced or hatched at one time |
| skeptical | doubtful |
| hypnotized | transfixed; spellbound; fascinated |
| hearth | the floor of a fireplace; usually fo stone or brick, often extending into the room |
| wrought | produced or shaped |
| orator | a public speaker, especially of great skill or power |
| monosyllabic | consisting of one syllable |
| eloquence | the ability to use language skillfully or powerfully |
| polysyllables | consisting of more than one syllable |
| prose | the ordinary form of written or spoken language |
| basked | lay in pleasant warmth |
| plank | a long, flat piece of timber; thicker than a board |
| vitality | living force; ability to sustain or retain life; vigor and endurance |
| vigor | active strength or force, intensity or energy |
| dumbfounded | astonished; amazed |
| implement | an instrument, tool, or untensil used for accomplishing work |
| wavering | feeling or showing doubt or confusion |
| forlorn | miserable, despairing |
| tread | set down the foot or feet in walking; step, walk |
| abruptly | suddenly; unexpectedly |
| malevolent | wishing evil or harm to others; malicious |
| venom | the poisonous fluid that some snakes and spiders inject into or spray at their victims |
| arcing | moving in a curved line |
| flailing | beating or swinging |
| manipulating | handling or using, especially with skill |
