From the war passage, what do we learn about Tony Vassall?

Introduction / Context:
This is a direct detail question about the short passage on war. It asks you to identify Tony Vassall's relationship to another character, using the information provided about his death and the pension given to Patience.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The passage states that Tony Vassall went to battle and was killed.
• It then says that the country gave Patience a widow's pension and an inducement to marry again.
• A widow's pension is given to the surviving spouse of a soldier who has died.
• Therefore Patience must have been Tony Vassall's wife.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is understanding what a widow's pension implies. The question expects you to connect Tony's death in battle with Patience receiving this pension, and then infer their relationship from this clue.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the sequence: Tony Vassall goes to battle and dies. Step 2: Immediately after, the country gives Patience a widow's pension. Step 3: Recall that a widow is a woman whose husband has died. Step 4: Conclude that Patience is the widow of Tony Vassall. Step 5: Select husband of Patience as the correct description of Tony Vassall.

Verification / Alternative check:
If Tony were only a relative or a soldier's son, Patience would not normally receive a widow's pension. That benefit specifically recognises the death of a spouse in military service.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A soldier's son: The text does not mention Tony's parents or suggest this role.
Nathan's relative: Nathan is a separate character whose connection to Tony is not stated.
Very successful: The passage emphasises Tony's death in battle, not his success in life.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes skim past the phrase widow's pension or may not know its meaning. Understanding such key terms is essential for answering relationship questions correctly in reading comprehension.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is husband of Patience, because Patience receives a widow's pension after Tony Vassall is killed in battle, making him her deceased husband.