The tone is of <u>strong disapproval.</u>
Explanation:
The passage here presents multiple instances of disapproval of Countess Olenska's behavior
- <u>the narrator calls her a compromised woman</u>, essentially, one of a loose character.
- <u>questions her going outside in the' shopping hour</u>', that is, when she has a chance of meeting men outside.
- <u>her absence when the betrothed couple comes is presented as a relief.</u> She is either ill mannered or her family is ashamed of having her around.
It is evident that the Countess here is being judged on impossible standards.
Answer:
To explain Thoreau's view that we have a responsibility to act
