Answer:
The children were cold and had not eaten
Explanation:
Nowhere in this excerpt has there mentioned a father leaving the family. The family that brought the gifts was not described as pitying the poor family. The excerpt doesn't say that the woman would soon die from her illness.
In situations like this, don't assume something that the passage didn't say.
The primary purpose of these stage directions (with the gallantry of a young politician) is to indicate a character's tone of voice.
Given that he is referring to the ladies, he has to change the tone of his voice a bit to appeal to them more. He cannot speak in a manly voice which he would normally use while speaking to other men, but rather appear more suave and gentleman-like.
It is an example of a hyperbole.
The second option is the best fit! :)
hope this helps! have a good day!
