To determine the feeling UNLIKELY to have been on seeing “a fifty rupee note between his fingers,” we must analyze the context provided in the comprehension extract:
- The protagonist observed the fifty rupee note and initially felt a sense of dread, as indicated by "My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered.” This suggests worry or anxiety.
- However, the mood shifted positively when it was revealed that the money was a result of the speaker's earnings: "My spirits rose." This change reflects relief and a positive feeling.
- Despite the initial worry, the protagonist was informed they would be "paid regularly," which is a positive outcome.
- The presence of the note did not bring a feeling of sadness or unhappiness based on the text.
- The note was “still wet from the night's rain,” creating a sense of unease, yet not directly causing sadness or unhappiness.
Given these analyses, the emotional responses associated with seeing the note are primarily worry at first, turning into relief. Thus, the feeling unlikely to be experienced is one of joy, as the protagonist's initial reaction was worrisome, not joyous.
Therefore, the answer is: joyous.