Concept:The word "clandestine" means something done in a concealed or hidden manner.
Explanation:In the sentence, "the aggrieved faction held a clandestine meeting" suggests the meeting was deliberately kept away from public notice.
Such a meeting is usually arranged in a covert way so that others do not know about it.
The word that is nearest in meaning to "clandestine" here is "secret."
Option A, "quiet," relates to the absence of noise, which does not fully capture the idea of concealment.
Option B, "brief," refers to a short length of time, which is not relevant to the meaning.
Option D, "quick," refers to speed, which is also unrelated to secrecy.
Therefore, "secret" is the only option that correctly matches the hidden and confidential nature of the meeting.
Answer:C. secret