The correct answer to your question is the 1st option or option A. (emptiness)
        
             
        
        
        
Answer: C. A Muslim Ruler with absolute power would be called a "Sultan".
 
        
                    
             
        
        
        
Explanation:
The lines quoted in question are taken from "Importance of Being Earnest"
The essence is that the writer is criticizing the action of people especially women for their behavior in public. He has done that in metaphorical way and quoting the practice of women doing flirt with husbands on public places during Victorian Era. He said that just like there is no need of washing a white cloth similarly women don’t need to flirt with those , whom they already love
 
        
             
        
        
        
Answer: Most likely 2, Close.
Explanation: If it's not, I'd pick 3: Loud as my second answer. The paragraph hints distance so I can only imagine it being 2.