Edward, in the passage, is known for his honesty and hardworking attitude, until one day a stranger leaves a sack of money with his wife for safe
keeping.
Which detail in the excerpt best highlights the moral transformation that Edward undergoes?
The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg
by Mark Twain (adapted excerpt)
At eleven Edward arrived, and while his wife was saying "I am so glad you've come!" he was saying, "I am so tired-tired clear out; it is dreadful to be
poor, and have to make these dismal journeys at my time of life. Always at the grind,
grind, grind, on a salary, and he sitting at home in his slippers,
rich
and comfortable."
"I am so sorry for you, Edward, you know that; but be comforted; we have our livelihood; we have our good name"
"Yes, Mary, and that is everything. Don't mind my talk-it's just a moment's irritation and doesn't mean anything. Kiss me-there, it's all gone now, and I
am not complaining any more. What have you been getting? What's in the sack?"
Then his wife told him the great secret. It dazed him for a moment; then he said: "It weighs a hundred and sixty pounds?
Why, Mary, it's forty thousand dollars-think of it-a whole fortune! Not ten men in this village are worth that much. Give me the paper." He skimmed
through it and said: "Isn't it an adventure! Why, it's a romance; it's like the impossible things one reads
about in books, and never sees in life." He was
well stirred up now; cheerful, even gleeful. He tapped his old wife on the cheek, and said
humorously, "Why, we're rich, Mary, rich; all we've got to do
is
to bury the money and burn the papers. If the gambler ever comes to inquire, we'll merely look coldly
upon him and say: "What is this nonsense you are
talking? We have never heard of you and your sack of gold before;" and then he would
look foolish, and-"