... is the reason; ... is my excuse
study; library; den; home office; reading room
seat; location (of a gathering, etc.); place; position; post
cold; chill; cold weather; cold wave; cold air
almost; nearly; for the most part; roughly; approximately; about
same time; simultaneous; concurrent; synchronous
travelling clothes; traveling clothes; travelling outfit; traveling outfit
to kneel down on one knee; to genuflect
way; style; ceremony; rite; wedding (ceremony); equation
busy; occupied; hectic; restless; hurried; fidgety
to relax; to feel at home
to break off (mid-sentence); to stop (saying)
to reconsider; to rethink; to reassess
can't help worrying; besides myself with worry
interview; audience; meeting; (viewing) party
to be sad; to mourn for; to regret
fortitude; firmness of character; sturdiness; inner strength; hardihood
wise ruler; enlightened monarch; benevolent lord
bowl; vessel; container; ability; capacity; calibre
sincere; earnest; serious
to grant (request, wish); to answer (prayer); to make come true (e.g. a dream); to realize; to fulfill
by all rights; properly speaking; legally speaking
to make a fist; to clench one's fist
to rise in revolt; to raise the standard of revolt
question (e.g. on a test); problem; problem (e.g. societal, political); question; question (i.e. doubt); public discussion
distant (from someone); aloof; estranged; knowing little (of); ill-informed (about); ignorant (of)
some people; a number of people; several people; a few people
to make up for; to compensate for; to indemnify; to recompense; to redeem (e.g. a fault); to atone for
right; correct; proper; righteous; just
clean sweep; purging; doing away with; eradication
charm; fascination; glamour; glamor; attraction; appeal
cool-headed; level-headed; hard-headed
having to be; must be; should be; ought to be
without hesitation; without a qualm; at the drop of a hat
honest; upright; cleanhanded; unselfish
innermost feelings; heart; motive; nature; disposition; spirit
tender; kind; gentle; graceful; affectionate; amiable
deeply; keenly; severely; intently; carefully; closely
a short while ago; a moment ago; just now; some time ago