The vivid, untrammeled life appealed to him […]; but he was wise and knew that once peace was established there would be no room in Cuba for the Sin Verguenza. “None better to face peril or adversity with, but a change is coming, and one cannot always wear the bandolier,” he said.

to aggrandize one's authority, distress

[…] her stepfather […] waited on, looking into the fire and keeping the kettle boiling with housewifely care, as if it were an honour to have her in his house.

“Whatchoo want?” “I'm looking for 251 Durham Avenue,” Rosie said. “It's a place called Daughters and Sisters. I had directions, but I guess—” “What, the welfare lesbians? You ast the wrong chicken, baby girl. I got no use for crack-snackers. […]