" Are you saying that I look thirty six ? " I asked , trying my darndest to inject as merry and lighthearted a tone as I could possibly muster . ( And mind you , I am extremely pre - menstrual . )

Question: How might have my conversation partner reacted to my reply ?
Answer: He might have reacted in a blatant , conciliatory mannerHe might have reacted in a blatant , accusatory mannerHe might have reacted in an embarrassed , accusatory mannerHe might have reacted in an embarrassed , conciliatory manner