I noticed you weren't using it. -- correct I don't have many close female friends. -- correct It left to me after her passing. (an item) -- It WAS left to me after her passing, or ( more accurately), it was left to me when she passed How come you're left with nothing? (he lost everything) -- correct Would it be possible to get a maid in here now? -- correct Would it be possible you to send a maid in here now? (for an hotel room) -- Would it be possible FOR you to send a maid in here now?

Yes, a wastebasket is small and found within the house (the bathroom, for example). A garbage can can be inside or out, but many people tend to use "garbage can" for outside and "trash can" for in. Note that these are both Americanisms. In the UK, they're called rubbish bins or just bins...regardless of where they're kept.

"I've been following your situation with great interest" I've been very interested to watch (follow) what's been going on in your life/business, etc "Water finds a level" This usually means that people are drawn to those who are like themselves (in terms of character or social standing, for example) "The state will have its pound of flesh" A reference to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. It essentially means that the state will get what it's owed, no matter the cost (to others). "How can I do less when the days that remain are so few" How can I do less than dedicate myself fully to (following) the law, when I don't have much time left (perhaps as a lawyer, perhaps to live, but no doubt in some way a reference to his age)