“My aunt will be down presently, Mr. Nuttel,” said a very self-possessed (calm, confident, and in control of your feelings, even in difficult or unexpected situations, used to show approval) young lady of fifteen; “in the meantime you must try and put up with (to accept an unpleasant situation or person without complaining) me.”

Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly (in the proper or expected way) flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting [regard (a possibility or fact) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility] the aunt that was to come.

Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succession of (a number of people or things of the same kind, following, coming, or happening one after the other) total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing.

You will bury yourself down there and not speak to a living soul, and your nerves will be worse than ever from moping. (to feel sorry for yourself, without making any effort to do anything or be more happy)

“Then you know practically nothing about mu aunt?” pursed (continue or proceed along) the self-possessed young lady.

“Her tragedy?” asked Framton; somehow in this restful country spot (a particular place or area, especially a pleasant place where you spend time) tragedies seemed out of place. (not suitable for a particular situation or occasion)

“You may wonder why we keep that window wide open on an October afternoon,” said the niece, indicating (point out; show) a large French window that opened on to a lawn.

In crossing the moor to their favourite snipe-shooting ground they were all three engulfed(completely surround or cover something) in a treacherous piece of bog.

Here the child’s voice lost its self-possessed note and became falteringly human. (losing strength or momentum)

‘Bertie, why do you bound?’ as he always did to tease her, because she said it got on her nerves. (informal if someone gets on your nerves, they annoy you, especially by doing something all the time)