Read this excerpt from the passage. "Yes, you have been cruelly frank with me;..." How do the words cruelly frank best affect the meaning of this passage? They show that Mercédès has been excessively mean to Fernand in withholding her affection. They show that Fernand is very angry with Mercédès. They show that Fernand doesn't understand the truth about how Mercédès feels about him. They show that Mercédès is too honest with Fernand.

I really don't have an answer on this but maybe you can look at what I think and this will maybe help you decide on your answer.Sorry to disappoint :(

Explanation:

There wasn't a lot of background story to go back off but...

Fernand seems like he/she are trying to tell Mercédès  that he/she has been rude/mean to Fernand. For ,"They show that Mercédès has been excessively mean to Fernand in withholding her affection." because Fernand might have affection for Mercédès .(possibly an answer)

For, "They show that Fernand is very angry with Mercédès." because maybe Fernand really has no affection for Mercédès. They already mentioned that Fernand feels like Mercédès is being rude to him/her so they really wouldn't have to mention that again but it can possibly be an easy answer to your question.. (least likely an answer)

For,"They show that Fernand doesn't understand the truth about how Mercédès feels about him." because Mercédès really might not know that he is being rude/mean to Fernand.

For,"They show that Mercédès is too honest with Fernand." because maybe Fernand is just sensitive and Fernand  can't take Mercédès rude/mean words.

My opinion is NOT BASED OFF BACKSTORY

Hope this helped by getting another persons point of view :)

idk

explanation: