Answer: C. Perfect.
Step-by-step explanation: the connotation of a word is the meaning given by the context of the word or even by the readers, based on their emotions or personal experiences. It is the antonym of denotation, which is the literal meaning of the word. In the given excerpt we can see the word "exquisite" usually used to describe something beautiful and delicate, used before the words "horrible misery" so, in this context, the word "exquisite" can be interpreted as "perfect."