Answer:
c. a shrewd businessman with energy and purpose
Explanation:
Colonel Pyncheon introduces himself as a great businessman, founder of the Pyncheon family in Massachusetts. He presents himself as a man full of possessions and money and with great influence in society. However, he is not admired, as he is a very ambitious entrepreneur who cares only about his own goals and overlooks the will of the poorest people and without influence.
