Final answer:
The narrator might describe her time with Ashley as overwhelming and uncomfortable due to cultural differences, feeling out of place, and a lack of engagement in social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the narrator were to answer her mother's question about whether she had a good time with Ashley, she might express feelings of discomfort and alienation, based on details from the story. It is possible she would convey how overwhelmed she felt by the cultural differences and the pressure of not understanding social norms, such as not knowing she was expected to toast in return at the dinner. Additionally, she might describe feeling homesick and unprepared despite her studies, which seem not to have fully equipped her for the real-life experience of being immersed in a different culture.
Another part of the story suggests the narrator finds difficulty in other social settings such as her interaction with Randolph who prefers to talk to the waiter, hinting at an environment where she feels out of place. Furthermore, references to other characters feeling tired or disinterested, like 'Mrs. Harvey yawned,' might imply that the narrator also experienced a lack of engagement during her time with Ashley.