Final answer:
The governess describes Flora with religious connotations, portraying her as an incarnation of joy, an answer to prayer, a blessing, and to a character, akin to a religion. The language used elevates Flora to a divine or celestial status, engendering a mix of innocence, purity, and importance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The governess in the provided texts describes the child Flora using words and images with religious connotations. These descriptions imbue Flora with qualities that transcend the ordinary, elevating her to an almost divine status. For example, Flora is referred to as an incarnation of joy and loveliness, an answer to prayer, a blessing, and a possession infinitely more precious than all she had lost. Additionally, for one character, Fay has become a religion, further cementing the nuanced religious imagery surrounding her character. Such depictions create a halo of sanctity around Flora, making her a central, almost celestial figure in the narrative. Furthermore, phrases like a ghost of a troubled, trustful smile and eyes which were still shadowed by pain contribute to the portrayal of her as innocent and pure, yet touched by adversity in a manner that evokes sympathy and reverence.