beginning; start; outset; at first; at the beginning; initially
personal; individual; private
to tear up and throw away
early; a little earlier than usual; a little faster than usual; slightly quicker
to be the first to speak; to break the silence; to open something for the first time; to broach (e.g. a cask); to break a seal
matter; thing; affair; circumstance
to take away; to carry off
stern expression; severe expression; grim expression
intention; idea; inclination; wish
consent; approval; acceptance; agreement; compliance
secrecy; confidentiality; privacy; one's circumstances (esp. fiscal)
marriage proposal; marriage talks
what's the best thing to do?; what to do?
growing light (e.g. at dawn); pale; appearing dumb; talking in an obvious way
to rain incessantly; to downpour
bet; wager; stake; gamble
forever; for good; eternally; as long as one likes; indefinitely; no matter what
irritating; irritated; frustrating; vexing; (feeling things are) not quick enough; (feeling) too slow-going
couple who are more than friends, but not in an intimate relationship
to step into (e.g. someone else's territory); to break into; to raid; to come to grips with; to get to the core of
honeymoon; being in an intimate relationship; honeymoon (period)
whether one likes it or not; inevitably; unavoidably; compulsorily; by force
soon; shortly; before long; nearly; almost
spirit; drive; vigour; ambition; aspiration
meagre; meager; scarce; limited; destitute; hard up
heir; inheritor; successor
heir; heiress; inheritor; successor
to clasp together (esp. hands); to entwine (e.g. fingers)
late-growing rice; late-ripening crops; late-blooming flowers; late developer (e.g. child who reaches puberty late); late bloomer
doubt; suspicion; misgivings; scruples
yearning; longing for; deep affection
to come near; to let someone approach; to bring near; to bring together; to deliver (opinion, news, etc.); to send (e.g. a letter); to let someone drop by
useless; no future in it; doesn't make sense; having no point
to run to; to come running; to rush (someplace); to hasten
to remain married for life
husband; master (of a house, shop, etc.)
marriage ceremony; wedding; nuptials