Sir Giles's irritating reserve, not even excused by a word of apology, reached the limits of his endurance. He respectfully protested. "I regret to find, sir," he said, "that I have lost my place in my employer's estimation. The man to whom you confide the superintendence of your clerks and the transaction of your business has, I venture to think, some claim (under the present circumstances) to be trusted." The banker was now offended on his side. "I readily admit your claim," he answered, "when you are sitting at your desk in my office. But, even in these days of strikes, co-operations, and bank holidays, an employer has one privilege left--he has not ceased to be a Man, and he has not forfeited a man's right to keep his own secrets. I fail to see anything in my conduct which has given you just reason to complain." Dennis, rebuked, made his bow in silence, and withdrew.
Did these acts of humility mean that he submitted? They meant exactly the contrary. He had made up his mind that Sir Giles Mountjoy's motives should, sooner or later, cease to be mysteries to Sir Giles Mountjoy's clerk.
In context, the word "rebuked" is best represented by
- courteously disagreed.
- genuinely dissuaded.
- promptly challenged.
- cautiously opposed.
- sharply reprimanded.
Answer(s): E
Explanation:
To "rebuke" someone is to sharply reprimand them. Although the language used would not be considered particularly cutting today, the language and diction used place this excerpt some years back when conversation was more genteel, and the affront by Sir Giles to Dennis would have been scathing.
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