After 20 years by O´Henry

impressiveness grandness, magnificence

barely hardly, scarcely

gusts a strong current of air

nigh near in time or space

depeopled depopulated

twirl turn in a twisting or spinning motion

intricate complicates, hard to understand

adown down

thoroughfare a road, street that leads at each end into another street

stalwart hardy, strongly and stoutly built

slight small in amount, degree etc.

swagger to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air; to bring, drive to force

vicinity a surrounding or nearby region

to lean to incline or bend from a vertical position.

reassuringly in a reassuring manner

straight having no deviations; without curves

square-jawed having a regular, approximately rectangular jaw

scar mark, cicatrice

scarfpin a decorative pin securing a scarf or a tie

ought to should

proposition a statement or assertion that expresses a judgement or opinion.

to hustle To move or act energetically and rapidly To push or force one's way. To act aggressively, especially in business dealings

truest reliable, true

stanchest constant, true, faithful

chap To cause (the skin) to roughen, redden, or crack, especially as a result of cold or exposure

lid of eliminate

plodder The act of moving or walking heavily and slowly. The sound made by a heavy step

wit The natural ability to perceive and understand; intelligence.

razor-edge an edge that is as sharp as the cutting side of a razor

twirl To move or spin around rapidly

drizzle To rain gently in fine, mistlike drops

puff A short forceful exhalation of breath. A short sudden gust of wind.

steady Firm in position or place; fixed.

astir about

dismally in a dreadful manner

grasping understanding with difficulty

enlarged make larger

submerged sink below the surface; go under water

glare great brightness

to gaze look at with fixed eyes

snapped utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone;

pug a small, slender moth which rests with its wings stretched out to the sides.

tremble reflex shaking caused by cold or fear or excitement

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