Final answer:
The MOST LIKELY meaning of Paulette's statement, 'Believe me, the pleasure was all mine,' is that Paulette is expressing her sincere enjoyment of the interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The MOST LIKELY meaning of Paulette's statement, 'Believe me, the pleasure was all mine,' is (B) Paulette is expressing her sincere enjoyment of the interaction. In this context, Paulette is saying that she thoroughly enjoyed the experience or interaction that took place. Her statement suggests that she found the experience pleasurable and rewarding.
This can be understood by analyzing Paulette's response as a polite and positive affirmation of her own enjoyment. By saying that the pleasure was all hers, Paulette is emphasizing the extent of her enjoyment and gratitude towards the situation. This interpretation aligns with the phrase's commonly understood meaning.
Other options, such as declining a compliment (A) or trying to be humble (C), are less likely because Paulette's statement is not about deflecting praise or minimizing her own role. Instead, it focuses on expressing her personal enjoyment of the experience.