Final answer:
The old woman can be trusted as a faithful wife based on her past faithfulness and dedication, which signify her potential for loyalty and commitment in a future marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt given raises the question about why the old woman should be trusted to be a faithful wife. Throughout literature, character trustworthiness and the potential for faithfulness in marriage are important themes. Intriguingly, trust in marriage often relates to the purity and past of individuals, especially in historical contexts. The old woman's appeal to faithfulness could stem from several assertions. In the past, a widow might be distrusted as a marriage partner because of her history. Yet, if she has remained faithful and untouched despite her past, she could argue that her dedication and constancy are proof enough of her loyalty in a future marriage. The widow's faithfulness to her first husband and peace with her situation also serve as indicators of her reliability. The widow's faithfulness could manifest from her appreciation for the union and a deep sense of commitment, which would be beneficial factors to consider for any suitor wondering about her loyalty.