Is the narrator as rich as Tricki's mistress?
No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki's mistress, Mrs Pumphrey. The text clearly shows the difference in their wealth. Mrs Pumphrey is described as a rich mistress who arrives in about thirty feet of gleaming black metal with a chauffeur. She sends luxuries like fresh eggs, bottles of wine, and brandy for Tricki's recovery.
In contrast, the narrator is a veterinary surgeon who works at a surgery with partners. He and his partners thoroughly enjoy these luxuries, having two eggs each for breakfast and making lunch a ceremonial occasion with wine. He was even tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest because of these treats, which shows such luxuries were special for him, not everyday privileges.
Explanation
The question tests the student's ability to infer the contrast in financial status between the two characters from the text. Mrs Pumphrey's wealth is evident through her chauffeur-driven long car and the expensive items she casually sends for her dog. The narrator's relatively modest lifestyle is implied by how much he and his partners relish the eggs, wine, and brandy — items that were clearly luxuries for them, not necessities.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify descriptions of Mrs Pumphrey's wealth — chauffeur, gleaming black car, sending eggs, wine, brandy.
Step 2: Identify descriptions of the narrator's lifestyle — works at a surgery with partners, treats the eggs/wine/brandy as luxuries, tempted to keep Tricki for these perks.
Step 3: Conclude that the narrator is not as rich as Mrs Pumphrey based on this contrast.