Final answer:
The town's visitors have mixed responses to Miss Strangeworth's roses. Some appreciate them, while others view them with suspicion. Miss Strangeworth takes pride in her roses and responds defensively when questioned about them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Miss Strangeworth's roses are perceived differently by the town's visitors. Some appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the roses, while others view them with suspicion and fear, as they associate them with Miss Strangeworth's secretive and judgmental nature. For example, when Miss Strangeworth sends a bouquet of roses to Mrs. Harper, the recipient is happy and grateful for the gesture. On the other hand, some visitors like Helen Crane are uneasy around the roses and perceive them as a sign of potential danger.
As for Miss Strangeworth herself, she responds defensively when others question her roses. She takes pride in her roses and sees them as a symbol of her reputation and status in the town. When she receives feedback from visitors about the roses, she either dismisses their concerns or becomes defensive. For instance, when the young man from out of town comments on the scent of her roses, Miss Strangeworth denies the existence of any unpleasant smell.