Question

from the locket by kate chopin
whats that you got around your neck, ned? asked one of the men.
ned - or edmond - mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply. he went on reading his letter.
is it your sweethearts picture?
aint no gals picture, offered one of the fire. thats a charm. hey, french! aint it?
the man addressed looked up absently from his letter.
what is it? he asked.
aint that a charm you got round your neck?
it must be, nick, returned edmond with a smile. i dont know how i could have gone through this year and a half without it.
select the correct answers from the drop - down menus.
read the excerpt. which phrases best complete the scenario below?
the phrase shows that absently means not paying
it must be, nick, returned edmond with a smile.
i dont know how i could have gone through this year and a half without it.
mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply
whats that you got around your neck, ned?

Explanation:

The phrase "mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply" shows a lack of attention or being lost in thought, which is what "absently" implies - not paying attention. The other phrases do not convey the meaning of absent - mindedness as clearly.

Answer:

"mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply"