Hack work
unoriginal writing
Foster
to support and encourage
Godsend
a blessing
Mortified
embarrassed
Mellifluous voice
Clear and sweet-toned voice
Direst circumstances
very hard and unfavorable conditions
Nihilism
The rejection of moral and religious values
Derisive expression
mocking and scornful expression
Pigmy
of no significance or importance
Concubine
Mistress
Jubilant
Exultant and overjoyed
Literary drudgery
Literary hard work
Hansom
A cab drawn by two horses and accommodating two people inside in addition to the driver behind
Jostled up against a man
Bumped into a man
Phlegmatic
unemotional and placid
Perforated
pierced
Unvarnished
plain and straightforward
Ephemeral
lasts for a short period of time
Boisterous
animated
Dubious
hesitating
