How does mildred react to montag's sickness?

What is implied in this sentence from mark twain's "the £1,000,000 bank-note"? i was puzzled, and wanted to discuss the matter a little further, but they didn't; so i took my leave, feeling hurt and insulted to be made the butt of what was apparently some kind of a practical joke, and yet obliged to put up with it, not being in circumstances to resent affronts from rich and strong folk.

Sure, i wish things had turned out differently for me in vietnam. but i know things could have turned out worse, too. so ljust try to be for what i do have and do my best to be independent. i can dress myself and even tie a tie. no more playing guitar, though. if i close my eyes, i can just about hear the music. just strumming my heartstrings is what i'm doing, i suppose. how could the author best resolve this situation to create a feeling of somber regret? a. the narrator describes the difficulty in cooking for himself. b. the narrator decides to sell his guitar and take up a new instrument. c. the narrator points out that he doesn't have to wear a tie too often. d. the narrator mentions a friend who did not live through the war.

In the poem which word in stanza 5 provides a hint to the meaning of the word gloating?