Read the following passage carefully and answer the next 5 questions by choosing the correct option:
No one could understand where he got his money from. But the person who marvelled most at the dashing and luxurious life led by Alphonse was his friend and partner.
After they dissolved their partnership, most of the custom and the best connection passed by degrees into Charles's hands. This was not because he in any way sought to run counter to his former partner; on the contrary, it arose simply from the fact that Charles was the more capable man of the two. And as Alphonse had now to work on his own account, it was soon clear to any one who observed him closely, that in spite of his promptitude, his amiability, and his prepossessing appearance, he was not fit to be at the head of an independent business.
And there was one person who did observe him closely. Charles followed him step by step with his sharp eyes; every blunder, every extravagance, every loss - he knew all to a nicety, and he wondered how Alphonse could keep going so long.
They had as good as grown up together. Their mothers were cousins; the families had lived near each other in the same street; and in a city like Paris, proximity is as important as relationship in promoting closeness. Moreover, the boys went to same school.
Who was more capable between Alphonse and Charles?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Charles
The passage explains why the business passed to Charles: "it arose simply from the fact that Charles was the more capable man of the two". Alphonse, for all his charm, was "not fit to be at the head of an independent business".
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Alphonse — Incorrect. Contradicted: Alphonse made blunders, losses and extravagances, and was not fit to run a business of his own.
Option 3: We cannot decide — Incorrect. Contradicted: the passage decides it plainly by calling Charles "the more capable man".
Option 4: Sometimes Alphonse, at other times Charles — Incorrect. Not mentioned: nothing in the passage suggests the two took turns; the comparison is made once and for all in favour of Charles.