Q4 of 30 Page 127

Why does the conductor refer to Valli as a 'madam'?

The conductor refers to Valli as 'madam' because as a joking jibe on the manner in which she behaved when he offered her help to get on the bus. Her behaviour is like that of a matured lady while she is just eight years of age. She behaves like a mature woman.


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2

How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?

 3

What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and ftl1 in the blanks. The words you ftl1 in are the clues to your answer.

(i) "Stop the bus! Stop the bus!" And a tiny hand was raised.......


(ii) "Yes, I ...... go to town,"said Valli, still standing outside the bus.


(iii) "There's nobody here ......," she said haughtily. "I have paid my thirty-paise like everyone else."


(iv) "Never mind," she said, "I can .......


You don't have to help me. I'm not a child, I tell you," she said .......


(v) "You needn't bother about me. I .....," Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.


(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, "Well, sir, I hope ......."

 5

Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.

 6

Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?