Question

which excerpt from the storyteller best supports the theme that the purpose of stories is to entertain?
its a very difficult thing to tell stories that children can both understand and appreciate, she said stiffly.
why werent there any sheep? came the inevitable question arising out of that answer. the aunt permitted herself a smile, which might almost have been described as a grin.
a most improper story to tell to young children! you have undermined the effect of years of careful teaching.
at any rate, said the bachelor, collecting his belongings preparatory to leaving the carriage, i kept them quiet for ten minutes, which was more than you were able to do.

Explanation:

The bachelor's statement about keeping the children quiet for ten minutes implies his story was entertaining as it held their attention, which is the purpose of entertainment - to engage an audience. The other options focus on the difficulty of story - telling, questions about the story content, or criticism of the story, not on entertainment.

Answer:

"At any rate,' said the bachelor, collecting his belongings preparatory to leaving the carriage, 'I kept them quiet for ten minutes, which was more than you were able to do.'"