Read the following passage from "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck. "I'm off my general road, ma'am," he said. "Does this dirt road cut over across the river to the Los Angeles highway?"
Elisa stood up and shoved the thick scissors in her apron pocket. "Well, yes, it does, but it winds around and then fords the river. I don't think
your team could pull through the sand."
He replied with some asperity: "It might surprise you what them beasts can pull through."
What does the word asperity indicate about the man's reply?
A. He replied roughly.
B. He replied gently.
C. He replied cheerfully. D. He replied formally.