with calm exasperation
The narrator is not happy that he has been tricked into Simon Wheeler's story-telling antics. He is annoyed that he is stuck listening to these tales about Smiley's gambling. While he listens well, he is not amused, patient, or attentive.
To show the words were held at a very high regard.
Answer:
The answer is C= in contrast
Answer: From my understanding of a gerund phrase, I assume answer A. Learning a new language is correct.