Read the following passage from A Little Maid of Old Maine, and answer the question that follows.

"Father, tell us, is the Polly coming up the bay?" Rebecca asked eagerly. She had a
particular reason for wanting the sloop to reach harbor as soon as possible, for her
birthday was close at hand, and her father had told her that the Polly was bringing
her a fine gift; but what it was Rebecca could not imagine.
She had guessed everything from a gold ring to a prayer-book; but at every guess
her father had only smilingly shook his head. "No sign of the Polly yet, Rebby," Mr.
Weston replied.
Rebecca sighed as her father called her "Rebby," and a little frown showed itself on
her forehead. She was nearly fourteen, and she had decided that neither "Rebecca"
nor "Rebby" were names that suited her. Her middle name was "Flora," and only that
morning Anna had promised not to call her by any other name save Flora in future.

What is the purpose of this excerpt?
A:to entertain
B:to persuade
C:to inform
D:criticize

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