Step 1: Analyze the Clues
- The Pivot: The word "though" indicates a contrast between the two blanks.
- Context: Gregory is a colonial administrator. Usually, these questions contrast a person's formal knowledge (grammar/theory) with their practical application (speech/accent).

Step 2: Test the Logic
The sentence tells us his accent was "almost [Blank ii]."
- If his accent was unintelligible (D), the "though" implies his grammar was actually good.
- If his accent was stentorian (F - loud) or germane (E - relevant), it doesn't create a strong logical contrast with "grammar knowledge."

The most common "ironic" contrast for a language learner is being perfect at the rules but impossible to understand when speaking (or vice versa).
1. Blank (i): If we choose faultless (B), it means his grammar was perfect.
2. Blank (ii): To create the contrast using "though," his accent must be bad. Unintelligible (D) fits perfectly.

The Logic: Gregory was faultless in his grammar (he knew the rules perfectly), though his accent was so bad it was almost unintelligible (people couldn't understand him when he spoke).

Step 3: Why other options fail
- Deficient (A) + Unintelligible (D): This creates no contrast. If he's bad at both, "though" doesn't make sense.
- Erratic (C): This means inconsistent. It's a weaker fit than "faultless" when trying to establish a sharp contrast with an unintelligible accent.
- Stentorian (F): Means loud and powerful. Being loud doesn't contrast with knowing grammar.
- Germane (E): Means relevant. An accent isn't "relevant" or "irrelevant" in this context.

I hope this helps