9. The word "thrived" in line 23 refers to which of the following? (A) achieved
(B) surrendered
(C) flourished
(D) held
10. As used in line 25, which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "seemingly"? (A) apparently
(B) inevitably
(C) inexplicably
(D) hastily
11. The word "mingling" in line 26 could best be replaced by which of the following? (A) interfering
(B) gargling
(C) consuming
(D) associating
