Final answer:
Mrs. Sommers took pride in being frugal (option 4) with her money, which aligns with the behaviors of characters in various given passages who also value careful money management and financial stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. Sommers prided herself on being frugal about spending money. The context of frugality is often related to being economical and avoiding unnecessary expenditures. In the given passages, the characters' behavior regarding money management reflects a sense of careful planning and saving, demonstrating an importance placed on frugality and financial stability.
Characters like Trina show an extreme form of saving characteristic of a 'hardy and penurious mountain race,' hoarding money sometimes without clear reason, while others, like the character mentioned in the Dorothy's letter, aim for a reasonable level of comfort on a modest income, highlighting careful financial planning to achieve peace of mind.