Question

them like a sparrow robbed of a crumb.
as he escorted her into the dining room father’s back was straight, his chin very high. he was so prosperous of aspect, so generous and proudly affectionate, that people turned to look. it was obvious that if he had anything to do with the shoe business, he must be a manufacturer in a large way, with profit - sharing and model cottages.
the sun went down; long island sound was shot with red gold as little waves reached up hands at the wonder of light. father and mother gazed and ate chocolate ice cream and large quantities of cake, with the naïve relish of people who usually dine at home.
⑦ they sat on deck till mother yawned and nodded and at last said the “wel - l - ” which always means, “let’s go to bed.” father had so inspired her with faith in the comparative safety of their wild voyaging that she was no longer afraid, but just sleepy. she nestled in her chair and smiled shamefacedly and said, “it’s only half - past nine, but somehow—” in her drowsiness the wrinkles smoothed away from round her eyes and left her face like that of a plump, tired, happy little girl.
⑧ when they were at home father’s and mother’s garments had a way of getting so familiarly mixed that even mother could scarcely keep their bureau drawers separate. but when they traveled they were aristocrats, and they had entirely separate suitcases and berths. from the pompous manner in which father unpacked his bag you would have been utterly beguiled, and have supposed him to be one of those high persons who have whole suites to themselves and see their spouses only at state banquets, when there are celery and olives, and the squire invited to dinner. there was nothing these partners in life more enjoyed than one night’s pretending that they were different. but they suddenly
what does paragraph 7 reveal about mother?
a despite feeling excited at first, mother becomes accustomed to traveling and is perfectly at home on the ship.
b mother tries to escape her fear and anxiety by falling asleep.
c mother’s anxiety and fear of traveling are exhausting.
d despite feeling afraid, mother trusts father’s confidence and becomes more relaxed as their journey unfolds.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze Paragraph 7:

• The text says Mother "had so inspired her with faith in the comparative safety of their wild voyaging that she was no longer afraid, but just sleepy" and her face was "plump, tired, happy" as she relaxed.
• Option A: The paragraph does not show Mother being "excited at first" or "perfectly at home"—she was initially afraid, not excited. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Mother does not "try to escape her fear" by sleeping; she relaxes because she trusts Father’s confidence in the voyage. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The paragraph shows Mother becoming relaxed, not "anxiety and fear... exhausting" her. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Mother was "no longer afraid" and became "sleepy" and "happy" as she trusted Father’s confidence, so she relaxes as the journey unfolds. This matches.

Answer:

D. Despite feeling afraid, Mother trusts Father’s confidence and becomes more relaxed as their journey unfolds.