Cannibalism in the Cars
by Mark Twain

I visited St. Louis lately, and on my way West, after changing cars at Terre Haute, Indiana, a mild, benevolent-looking gentleman of about forty-five, or maybe fifty, came in at one of the way-stations and sat down beside me. We talked together pleasantly on various subjects for an hour, perhaps, and I found him exceedingly intelligent and entertaining.



"Cannibalism in the Cars" by Mark Twain

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

How does the author’s use of the multiple-meaning word mild affect the reader’s understanding of the gentleman?

(1 point)