For the first blank, we are looking for a noun that emphasizes how few wolves are left, so "lack" and "paucity" are both possible answers. For the second blank, we need an adjective that describes how the locals believe the wolves want "to devour everyone in town." In choosing between "fell" (ferocious and deadly) and "sordid" (morally distasteful), "fell" is the better choice, so the answer is "paucity . . . fell."

The first word has to be a synonym for "flattery." "Gaffes" are mistakes, "opprobriums" are criticisms, and "libations" are drinks; only "compliments" and "blandishments" might fit. The second word has to indicate that Jason is not responding to the flattery; his face remains unchanged. "Recondite" means obscure or arcane, while "imperturbable" means unable to be disturbed. "Blandishments . . . imperturbable" is the best answer. 

Clearly Charles is continuing to work in the house, though he is not seeing much in the way of outcomes. Note also that there is an opposition in the second sentence, triggered by the word "however." Clearly, things turned around and there must have been some positive outcome. This allows us to eliminate "nothing" immediately, and although many of the others are tempting, only "fruition" captures the sense of a positive outcome occuring. Likewise, "assiduously" works well in the first blank, for Charles continued to work as steward in a devoted manner (so it would seem), in spite of many years of little success.

"Nepotism" means favoritism or bias. "Perfidious" means treacherous or betraying. "Solipsism" means a theory that only the self exists. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Prudence" means caution or carefullness. "Reclusive" means unsocial or isolated. "Skepticism" means  doubt or disbelief. "Ubiquitous" means ever-present or pervasive. "Parity" means equality or balance. "Scathing" means nasty or critical in remarks.

Clearly, the use of the adverb "most" indicates that the sentence pertains to a very significant type of loss. The term "loss" can mean merely something that is lost or no longer held in possession, though it could also mean, more strictly, a financial loss. Either sense works in this sentence, though the latter is perhaps more appropriate, given the talk of work and success. In any case, several answers could function as a potential answer for the first blank; however, only "devastating" has a strength that really matches the adverb "most." Something "devastating" is something causing great destruction or shock. Although the second blank could indicate that luck (or something else) is also necessary, it is best to stay with the closest meaning implied by related words in the sentence. The sentence implies that hard work will help to recover from such devastating losses. This would presumably mean that devotion or dedication would likewise help in such a process of recovery.

We know funerals are usually sad occasions, so the adjective that we pick for the first blank should mean something like "sad." Either "melancholy" (sad and pensive) or "doleful" (mournful; expressing sorrow) would be a good choice for the first blank. For the second blank, we need a noun that refers to a speech given at a funeral. While both dirges and eulogies are given in the context of funerals, dirges are songs, while eulogies are speeches or writings. Since the sentence specifies that the noun involved people speaking, "eulogy" is the better choice, and the correct answer is "melancholy . . . eulogy."

Since decades have passed when his works are rediscovered, the only answer for the second blank that makes sense is "posthumously," after his death. Acumen means sharpness and skill, and the author is now thought of as a good and sharp writer.

The first blank is "lacerations," because, of the choices, only lacerations weep on the forearm. The second blank is "credible" because the lacerations support the young man’s claim to have been beaten.

A "bombastic" dictator (that is, an arrogant dictator) is not likely to cower or be servile; neither is "tardiness" likely to whip a mob into a frenzy. A "harangue," or noisy attacking speech, is very likely to rouse a mob, but only if that mob is comprised of gullible people. Gullible people are typically not "incredulous," "skeptical," or "objective." The second blank is therefore "credulous."

An "aerie" is a nest or habitat built high above the ground. "Deleterious" means harmful, often in a subtle way. As eagles live in trees, it makes sense that logging can have a negative effect on their habitats.