Question

before he was five years old he had begun to hoard pennies and \fourpences,\ and at six years old he was able to exchange his copper bits for a whole silver dollar, the possession of which made him feel richer than he ever felt afterward in all his life. nor did he lay the dollar away in a napkin, but used it in business to gain more. he would get ten cents a day for riding a horse before the plow, and he would add it to his capital. on holidays other boys spent all their savings, but not so he. such days were to him opportunities for gain, not for squandering. he was ______.

• frugal
• unexcitable
• lenient
• pessimistic

Explanation:

The text describes a child who hoarded coins, used his money to grow capital instead of saving it idly, avoided spending savings like other boys, and saw holidays as chances to gain rather than squander money. "Frugal" means being careful with money and avoiding waste, which matches this behavior. The other options do not fit: "unexcitable" refers to calmness, "lenient" means merciful, and "pessimistic" means negative outlook.

Answer:

frugal