Which two quotations support the inference that Margaret had reason to fear Mrs. Jack?

Question

"There was never much love lost between her and Margaret, and Mrs. Jack's guesses were perhaps the most ill-natured as to the reasons for Margaret's silence and her curious, checked clothing." (paragraph 4)
"Then, there was talk about money, and this gossip grew like a snowball from little beginnings." (paragraph 5)
"She blamed Jack for long ignoring Margaret." (paragraph 5)
". . . Mrs. Jack noticed that the dinners were putting a roundness on Margaret that might give her a new lease on life--perhaps not a desirable result." (paragraph 7)
"All of this 'friendship' for Margaret created curious divisions and much animosity." (paragraph 8)

Answer 1

The two quotations that support the inference that Margaret had reason to fear Mrs. Jack are:

1. "There was never much love lost between her and Margaret, and Mrs. Jack's guesses were perhaps the most ill-natured as to the reasons for Margaret's silence and her curious, checked clothing." (paragraph 4)

   • This indicates a negative relationship between Mrs. Jack and Margaret, suggesting that Mrs. Jack makes hurtful speculations about Margaret, which could lead to Margaret fearing her.

2. ". . . Mrs. Jack noticed that the dinners were putting a roundness on Margaret that might give her a new lease on life--perhaps not a desirable result." (paragraph 7)

   • This suggests that Mrs. Jack may have ulterior motives or negative feelings toward Margaret's well-being, which could instill fear in Margaret regarding Mrs. Jack's opinions or intentions.

Together, these quotations demonstrate a basis for Margaret's fear of Mrs. Jack due to their antagonistic relationship and Mrs. Jack's harmful observations.