Who Mrs. Bread is
Mrs. Bread serves in the Bellegarde household, the noble family Christopher Newman encounters in Paris.
Her presence draws attention to what remains unspoken within the family home. She seems to know more than she says, without openly explaining that knowledge.
Mrs. Bread and the others in the story
Newman hopes to marry Claire de Cintré, whose mother and elder brother place great value on family rank. Mrs. Bread looks at him with an unusual concern as signs of strain gather around the household.
Her watchfulness sits beside the guarded behavior of Madame de Bellegarde and Urbain. While Newman trusts others to act fairly, Mrs. Bread's concern suggests there is more for him to understand.
Questions
Who is Mrs. Bread in The American?
Mrs. Bread is an elderly English servant who works in the Bellegarde household.
How does Mrs. Bread regard Christopher Newman?
She looks at Newman with an odd kind of concern as he becomes involved with the Bellegarde family.
Does Mrs. Bread know the Bellegardes' secrets?
She seems to know more than she says. Her watchful presence hints at things Newman does not yet understand.