Question

oor, and, each taking a book from a pile laid ready on the porch, passed silently and reverently into the classroom. every house⁴ had its own special rows of seats, and the sailor hats that mingled like a kaleidoscope in the grounds were here divided into their several sets of colors, though sometimes varied by a gleam of ruby or amber falling from the stained glass windows above.
6 on this particular morning, anyone accustomed to the ordinary atmosphere of the place might have been aware that something of an unusual character was in the air.
7 there was an undercurrent of unrest, a turning of heads, a subdued rustling, even an occasional whisper; and the head mistress, realizing at last that some outside cause must be distracting the minds of her pupils, glanced up, and, following the direction of all eyes, saw a sight that filled her with unfeigned astonishment. among the neat rows of orange - banded sailor hats in the benches marked “st. chad’s” was one trimmed with large and obtrusive knots of emerald green ribbon, which drooped over the brim while a bunch of imitation shamrock finished the front. it seemed to stand out so conspicuously from its fellows that it resembled a succulent palm tree growing in the midst of a sandy desert, and could not fail to attract the attention of the whole school. how such an irregularity had crept in amongst the uniforms of the college, miss cavendish could not comprehend.
8 as the extraordinary green hat made its appearance in the classroom, it was greeted with quite a buzz of excitement by the girls assembled outside. only a few of them, comparatively, knew honor by sight, and the rest were asking who she was, and to which house she belonged. the common feeling was distinctly unfavorable. apart from the unseemliness of such an exhibition, new girls were not supposed to make themselves noticeable, or to introduce innovations, either as a result of an impertinence on their part; so the general verdict was that honor had done a shameful thing, and public opinion was dead against her. she, however, held up her head as proudly as though her absurd hat had been the latest creation from bond street.
9 “it’s a tribute to my native land!” she said airily, in response to a chorus of questions. “sorry you don’t like it, but it’s my first attempt at hat - trimming, and i flattered myself it wasn’t bad for a beginner. st. patrick, forgive me! i made up my mind before i started that i’d keep up the credit of the shamrock on this side of the water, and i’ve done my best. hurrah for old ireland!” then, as if her feelings were absolutely too much for her, she took her skirt in her hands, and began to dance an irish reel, kerry thompson¹ turning a lively irish tune to supply the music.
10 the girls stared in amazement at the reel performance. “she’s showing off!” declared some; but others laughed and clapped with a keener appreciation. the execution of the dance was striking and original, and the movement was excessively lively.

what is the meaning of the word impertinence as it is used in paragraph
○ rudeness
○ risk
○ favor
○ expectation

Explanation:

The text states that new girls should not draw attention or introduce innovations, and this behavior (Honor's hat) was seen as an "impertinence" and a "disgraceful thing". Among the options, "rudeness" aligns with the idea that this unapproved, attention-grabbing act was viewed as disrespectful against the school's norms.

Answer:

rudeness