The correct answer is: B. The Sahib asked cheerfully whether that was so, adding that he liked village folk.
The Sahib is asking a question, “Is that so?”, and he is doing so in a cheerful manner. He then adds that he likes village folk. This suggests that he is genuinely interested in the answer to his question and that he is not just trying to make conversation.
Option A is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the tone of the Sahib’s question. The Sahib is not simply stating that he likes village folk; he is asking a question about whether or not that is the case.
Option C is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the order of events. The Sahib asks a question before he tells the other person that he likes village folk.
Option D is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the tone of the Sahib’s question. The Sahib is not simply asking a question; he is doing so in a cheerful manner.