Question

Excerpt from Dombey and Son Charles Dickens The words had such a softening influence, that he appended a term of endearment to Mrs Dombey’s name (though not without some hesitation, as being a man but little used to that form of address): and said, ’Mrs Dombey, my—my dear.’ A transient flush of faint surprise overspread the sick lady’s face as she raised her eyes towards him. ’He will be christened Paul, my—Mrs Dombey — of course.’ She feebly echoed, ’Of course,’ or rather expressed it by the motion of her lips, and closed her eyes again. What can the reader infer about Mr. Dombey and his wife's relationship by her reaction of surprise to his addressing her as "my dear"? A) that Mr. Dombey is usually formal and distant to his wife B) that Mr. Dombey has a passionate relationship with his wife C) that Mr. Dombey is quite sentimental and loving to his wife D) that Mr. Dombey always addresses his wife with sweet nicknames

Answer 1

(A) that Mr. Dombey is usually formal and distant to his wife

The choice A seems to be the correct answer because when he uses the word "my dear"his sick wife has a  transient flush of faint surprise overspread the sick lady’s face as she raised her eyes towards him.She feebly echoed, “Of course,” or rather expressed it by the motion of her lips, and closed her eyes again.