committing such an indiscretion.] Doing such an unwise thing.
indecent haste.] A mock humorous expression, meaning "very quickly."
craves for recognition.] Wishes to be noticed and loved.
physical love.] Just as a young animal clings to its mother for protection.
animal instinct.] The phrase repeats in another form what was said before, in the words "a kind of physical love."
pursed her lips.] Drew her lips tight like the mouth of a purse which is tightened by pulling the string.
as if expecting some one.] He was looking for his mother.
very critical.] Very dangerous. The danger point of the illness might be reached at any moment and death might come.
By the mark.] When a shallow place comes at sea, or on a great river, one of the sailors throws a piece of lead, with a string tied to it, into the water, and then looks at the mark on the string. He calls out that the depth is "three" or "four" fathoms according to the mark.
plumb-line.] The line with a lead weight.