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. Sofia did not raise her eyes from her work, and her slim fingers fairly flew over the delicate lace.
A. She hummed a few bars of a song and recited a verse, but Sofia appeared not to hear.
B. But Lulu wandered about the room, moving the ornaments on the shelves or opening a drawer to gaze absently into it.
C. Then Lulu, who was not blessed with too much patience, decided to put the question boldly, and, planting herself in front of her sister, she asked:
D. It was clear that she wished either to do or to say something but was abashed by her elder sister's grave manner.
S2. "Sofia, do you know what Mademoiselle Jeannette told me?"
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Step-by-Step Logical Breakdown:
Fixed Start (S1): "Sofia did not raise her eyes from her work, and her slim fingers fairly flew over the delicate lace."
This establishes Sofia is busy and focused.
Sentence B: "But Lulu wandered about the room, moving the ornaments on the shelves or opening a drawer to gaze absently into it."
This provides a contrast ("But") between Sofia's focus and Lulu's restless, aimless movement. It introduces Lulu as the second character.
Sentence D: "It was clear that she wished either to do or to say something but was abashed by her elder sister's grave manner."
The "she" refers back to Lulu. It explains why she is wandering—she's nervous and trying to find a way to speak to the serious ("grave") Sofia.
Sentence A: "She hummed a few bars of a song and recited a verse, but Sofia appeared not to hear."
This describes Lulu's attempt to get Sofia's attention indirectly. Sofia's lack of response connects back to her being absorbed in her work in S1.
Sentence C: "Then Lulu, who was not blessed with too much patience, decided to put the question boldly, and, planting herself in front of her sister, she asked:"
"Then" signals the final action. Lulu gives up on being subtle and prepares to speak directly.
Fixed End (S2): "Sofia, do you know what Mademoiselle Jeannette told me?"