Final answer:
When Telemachus berates his mother for not immediately welcoming Odysseus, her reply is that she had a good reason for not doing so. She explains that she did not immediately welcome Odysseus because she was not certain if he was truly her husband. In response, Odysseus reassures his wife by recounting a secret detail about their bed that only they would know.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Telemachus berates his mother for not immediately welcoming Odysseus, her reply is that she had a good reason for not doing so. She explains that she did not immediately welcome Odysseus because she was not certain if he was truly her husband. She tells Telemachus that anyone can claim to be Odysseus, but she needs proof of his identity. In response to her explanation, Odysseus reassures his wife that he is indeed her husband by recounting a secret detail about their bed that only the two of them would know. This detail confirms his identity and brings joy and relief to Penelope.