<span>An author uses specific hints throughout the text. Your Welcome</span>
pal·pa·ble
[ˈpalpəb(ə)l]
ADJECTIVE
(of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible.
"a palpable sense of loss"
synonyms: perceptible · perceivable · visible · noticeable · appreciable · discernible · detectable · observable · tangible · recognizable · notable · unmistakable · transparent · indisputable · self-evident · incontrovertible · incontestable · undeniable · obvious · clear · plain · plain to see · evident · apparent · manifest · patent · marked · conspicuous · pronounced · striking · distinct · as plain as a pikestaff · as plain as the nose on one's face · standing/sticking out like a sore thumb · standing/sticking out a mile · right under one's nose · staring one in the face · writ large · beyond doubt · beyond question · written all over someone · as clear as day · blinding · inescapable · overt · open · undisguised · unconcealed · glaring · blatant · flagrant · barefaced · gross · stark
antonyms: intangible · imperceptible
plain to see or comprehend.
"to talk of dawn raids in the circumstances is palpable nonsense"
synonyms: undisguised · plain · unadorned · unvarnished · unveiled · unqualified · stark · bald · unexaggerated · simple · overt · obvious · open · patent · evident · apparent · manifest · unmistakable · palpable · blatant · glaring · flagrant · barefaced · out-and-out · unmitigated
able to be touched or felt.
"the palpable bump at the bridge of the nose"
synonyms: tangible · touchable · noticeable · detectable · solid · concrete · material · substantial · real
Answer:
1. The author hasn't told us the real reason of why Laura died. She has told us about their housemaid, Reenie, but we do not know how that is connected to Laura's death. Also, the author says that Laura might have her "reasons", but doesn't even tell us indirectly what those reason might be...
2. Two possible answers
- Laura's notebooks are her childhood diaries/a record of a secret relationship/a novel
OR
- Iris feels responsible for her sisters death/never loved her husband
Explanation for the 2nd one:
- The author remembers Reenie (maybe while reading one of Laura's diaries) and she also feels the need to tell Richard, her husband. But why does she feel the need to tell Richard? Maybe because Richard may have been in love with Laura, and because something went wrong (something didn't or couldn't work out) they have split up and Richard married Iris. Or maybe Iris felt some kind of anger towards Laura and that's why she married Richard (we don't quite know). And Laura may have been furious of Richard's or Iris' decision so much that she decided to kill herself (or did she? We don't know 'cause it's the first chapter). And that might be the reason Iris might have felt the need to inform Richard about Laura's death - because she thinks (or maybe knows feels) that Richard doesn't love her, he still loves Laura and that because they got married that, somehow may associate on the reason of Laura's death.
