The key word in the sentence is "rubbed," and provides the best clue. If being "continually rubbed" means the missing word is "not getting better," then the correct answer must indicate a problem created by rubbing. "Abrasion," meaning skin damage caused by scraping or rubbing, is the best choice among the answers.

The subject attempted his antics one more time, although he had already been "thoroughly embarassing himself" with them. The correct answer will indicate the stupidity and confidence of repeating the actions. "Gall," meaning nerve or confidence, is the best choice among the answers.

The missing word is intended to "prevent damaging floods." The correct answer must indicate something that helps stop or lessen the damage of floods. "Levee," meaning a raised bank on a river, is the best choice among the answers.

The "birds songs" are what specifically provided the missing word. This means the correct answer will have to do with music or noise. "Score," meaning a form of music accompanying a work of film or theater, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence explains that mothers "worry about quite trivial things." The correct answer must show a state of being that explains this unnecessary worry. "Consternation," meaning concern or anxiety, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence notes the meeting was about "the company's stock portfolio," but the CEO went on the missing word about "realty prices." The correct answer will therefore have to indicate he went away from the main point. "Digression," meaning remarks going away from a topic, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence notes the people described by the missing word go to the king to "ask his favor." The correct answer must show someone who is asking for something from a powerful person. "Supplicants," meaning people begging for favors, is the best choice among the answers.

The choice that makes the most sense is "deference," humble submission or courteous regard for another's wish.

The word "although" indicates a comparison between two ideas. The first idea is that putting away small amounts of money regularly may seem pointless. The second idea is that it is not pointless—instead, it is remarkable. The missing word provides an explanation of what makes the results of this action remarkable rather than pointless, so it is word meaning something that happens to funds over time that is positive. "Accretion" is the act of gathering or piling up, and this is certainly what will happen to a reserve of money if small amounts are regularly added to it.

"Dearth" means absence, so this is the opposite of what is implied. "Liquidity" is a word often applied to money, but cash money is liquid (in the sense of immediately spendable) in any amount at any time, so this is not something that would change over time. "Abscission" means cutting in to and is nonsensical in this sentence. "Tenacity" means stubbornness and is not a quality generally ascribed to money.

The key word in the sentence is "condemned," as it indicates the sentence discusses criminals or the accused. Coupled with disproving a "reputation for being harsh," the correct answer will mean mercy or pardon, the definition of "clemency."