The correct answer is B) intransigence, meaning Ray is extremely stubborn. We know this because his act of leaving the table was really rude. He refused to try the exotic dish and got mad when others continued in persuading him. The answer a)tenacity, meaning Ray is very courageous is not correct because if it was the case, Ray would've tried the exotic dish. The answer c) resolve, suggesting Ray follows through on his morals - is also not correct because morals do not have anything to do with decision making regarding trying out new dishes. The answer d) toughness, suggesting Ray is used to getting his way - is also not correct. Toughness would imply that Ray has a strong will and is somewhat spoiled, but nevertheless it has nothing to do with trying out new dishes.
"There is NOTHING MORE DISTRESSING to every good patriot, to every good American, than the hard, scoffing spirit which treats the ALLEGATION of dishonesty in a public man as a cause for laughter. " - really good line imo
My best guess would be answer C.
My reasoning is the words used and the meaning behind them, without the need of being emboldened " nothing more distressing " is a powerful a way you can distinguish something to be distressing. The speaker/author is speaking powerfully; anent? I believe the speaker is having issues with how indifferent the public is reacting when a person of government has been dishonest (or when a person of government is accused of being dishonest). He says in fact that the "scoffing spirit" among people that take these allegations lightly, is to him, the most distressing event.
Therefore my best guess would be that this speaker is speaking with criticism towards those willing to hear.
