[ the sentence gives her pause, and her expression shifts from one of annoyance to one of mild confusion. on the one hand, proper etiquette of her time dictated that males were to offer their assistance whenever possible, which this man before him clearly did not do. however, judging from his actions and words, it didn't appear as though he'd stood there simply to be rude.
she's not sure how to respond to this, so she takes the easy way out and ask a question instead. ]