Queer
in the first story, it is used to transmit the idea that the group was extremely diverse
Intend
plan something
Squalid
unpleasant, dirty
Prominence
being important or famous
Momentous
of great importance
Hearse
carriage used to carry coffins to the burial ground
Polish exterior
dressed nicely and elegantly
Thundered
in a loud voice
Gawk
to stare impolitely
A ball popped
describing the flash of a photograph
