pit
Where the working class members of the audience sat in a theater or playhouse.
humour
Whatever transitory mood someone happened to be in at any given time.
cogitate
To contemplate in general or ponder over something.
devoirs
The duty of paying one's respects to family.
collation
A light and informal meal.
recompense
A reward expected for providing a favor.
Ephesian Matron
Legendary story of a woman so famous for her fidelity to her husband that women traveled from neighboring countries to see her.
Physiognomy
The belief that one's character could be judged by the bones and facial features of the face; long since discredited, it was taken seriously as a science during the period in which the novel was written.
vizard
A mask or disguise.
equipage
A horse-drawn carriage and its attendants.
disposition
The quality and presentation of one's character.
incoherent
Lacking cohesive logical sense.
assiduous
Taking great care and demonstrating unusual perseverance.
risqué
Naughty and sexually provocative.
reparations
Amends that are made for sins or wrongful acts committed in the past.
condescension
An air of pompous arrogance and superiority, especially exhibited when offering help or charity.
discernment
Insightful and perceptive discrimination of relative values.
languishing
Allowed to weaken and deteriorate with neglect and disregard.
ardor
A passionate and enthusiastic zeal and devotion.
ineffectual
Excessively ineffective; inept and incompetent.
