In “A Wagner Matinee,” Clark’s Aunt Georgiana comes to Boston on family business. Georgiana seems dazed by being in Boston, having lived in a small prairie town in Nebraska for the past 30 years. As a treat, Clark plans to take his aunt to a concert of Wagner music, knowing her love of music. But Clark wonders if it was a good idea. Which excerpt from the story leaves matters uncertain for readers about Aunt Georgiana?

"'And you have been hearing this ever since you left me, Clark?' Her question was the gentlest and saddest of reproaches."

"I was perplexed as to what measure of musical comprehension was left to her, to her who had heard nothing but the singing of gospel hymns in Methodist services at the square frame schoolhouse on Section Thirteen."

"Soon after the tenor began the 'Prize Song,' I heard a quickdrawn breath, and turned to my aunt. Her eyes were closed, but the tears were glistening on her cheeks,"

"I spoke gently to her. She burst into tears and sobbed pleadingly, 'I don’t want to go, Clark, I don’t want to go!'"