"10) Huffiness : Myss was flabbergasted. Mary could have simply said "Yes" or "No."
I've noticed this often : I said to the wife of a couple I like, that her husband was a nice guy and she told me he was a jerk. My pharmacist had to tell me 'she didn't go to Walmart' and a lady in a store who replied to my question about a nearby restaurant with how she didn't eat red meat.
I thought it was because of their self pride but this author shows it is deeper than that. Maybe ungratefulness too.
I have noticed this in people. It seems they have a need to explain their actions. I grew up with the belief that it is no ones busines why I do or do not do things. I just say yes or no. Now, I should be more polite and put a thank you after either yes or no, but if someone invites me to something and I have something else to do that day, I just say no. If they do not like the answer, that is their problem, not mine.