Final answer:
The passage suggests that the attendants have left to celebrate, indicating the home is likely empty, and disconfirming the other options such as working hard, times of reflection, or event preparation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage "There were no attendants at home; they had absconded to make merry in honor of the time." implies that the attendants have left the home to celebrate an occasion, indicating that the home is likely empty (option a). This suggests a festive or celebratory time rather than a period of somber reflection, contradicting option c.
The attendants are not mentioned as preparing for an event in the immediate environment (option d), and the mention of celebration indicates they are not working hard, which eliminates option b. The context provided suggests that they have disregarded orders and left to enjoy themselves elsewhere.