Understanding the Context
The sentence describes a transition in the fair maid's emotional state, moving from a smile to tears. The chosen word must effectively convey a sense of change from happiness to sadness.
Analysis of Options
- a) Glistened: This suggests brightness or sparkle, which doesn’t imply a shift to tears.
- b) Brightened: While it indicates an increase in happiness, it also does not suggest a subsequent transition to tears.
- c) Paled: This means to lose color. As a smile pales, it suggests a fading joy, which can lead to tears, making it a suitable choice.
- d) Faded: Similar to "paled," but it leans more towards the gradual disappearance of something rather than a loss of emotional vibrancy.
Why "Paled" is Correct
The word "paled" effectively captures the emotional shift. It implies that the smile, once bright and lively, loses its vibrancy, symbolizing the onset of sadness.
- Emotional Transition: The maid's initial happiness diminishes, leading to tears, making "paled" the best fit.
- Imagery: "Paled" creates a vivid mental image of the transformation, enhancing the emotional weight of the sentence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "paled" is the most appropriate choice as it conveys the decline of the fair maid's joy, leading seamlessly into tears. This emotional nuance enriches the narrative, aligning perfectly with the context of the sentence.

The fair maid's smile paled and melted into tears when the speaker did not accept her offer.