Question

why was mathilde married to a minor official

Answer 1

Mathilde's greatest requirement in a husband was social position. Unfortuntely, her own place in society only allowed for a husband defined as a "minor" official. For Mathile, this would have been considered a great match.

She had no dowry, no expectations, no means of becoming known, understood, loved or wedded by a man of wealth and distinction; and so she let herself be married to a minor official at the Ministry of Education.

Answer 2

here is your answer