Which detail from “The Wife” conveys the narrator’s opinion of Mary when he learns how she reacts to the news about Leslie’s fin
ancial problems? “‘You call yourself poor, my friend; you never were so rich,—you never knew the boundless treasures of excellence you possessed in that woman.’”
“Her gay spirits might revolt at the dark, downward path of low humility suddenly pointed out before her.”
“A bright beautiful face glanced out at the window, and vanished—a light footstep was heard—and Mary came tripping forth to meet us.”
“I have often noticed the mute rapture with which he would gaze upon her in company; and how, in the midst of applause, her eye would still turn to him, as if there alone she sought favor and acceptance.”
Answer: A: “You call yourself poor, my friend; you never were so rich,—you never knew the boundaries treasures of excellence you possessed in that woman.”
