Given below are six sentences taken from a paragraph. The first and the last sentences are numbered S1 and S2 and are placed in the first and last positions respectively and are fixed in their positions. The other four sentences between the first and last sentences are jumbled up and are numbered A, B, C, and D. Rearrange the jumbled sentences in a logical sequence keeping the unity and coherence of the paragraph intact. Choose the correct alternative that best describes the sequence.
S1. There, for the first time, had the painter caught sight of Laufella who, with her pitcher on her head, had passed by without taking any notice of him.
A. A very ungentle ball came knocking against his shins as a reminder that this was not the spot to choose for meditation.
B. But the young boatman who had thrown the ball stood silent among his friends, in such an attitude of defiance that the stranger had found it more advisable to go his way and avoid discussion.
C. The Neapolitan, struck by her appearance, stood still and gazed after her, not heeding that he was standing in the very midst of the game, which, with two steps, he might have cleared.
D. He looked round, as if in expectation of some excuse.
S2. Still, this little encounter had been spoken of, particularly at the time when the painter had been pressing his suit to Laurella.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The logical sequence is CADB.
Logical Breakdown:
S1 (Fixed): Introduces the painter catching sight of Laurella for the first time as she passes by.
C: This naturally follows S1. It describes the painter's reaction to seeing her ("struck by her appearance, stood still and gazed after her") and notes that he was distracted, standing in the middle of a game.
A: This provides the immediate consequence of him standing in the middle of the game mentioned in C. A ball hits his shins, serving as a "reminder" that he shouldn't be meditating there.
D: After being hit by the ball, the painter "looked round" to see where it came from, expecting an apology or excuse.
B: This identifies the source of the ball (the young boatman) and describes his defiant attitude, which leads the painter (the "stranger") to decide to leave.
S2 (Fixed): Concludes the paragraph by noting that this specific "little encounter" became a topic of conversation later.