It isn't the first time one of Jude's coping methods has been rejected or criticized, and he doubts it will be the last. It's at least innocuous enough a situation that he can roll with it, carrying on up the path and porch like it doesn't matter one way or the other.

And it shouldn't: what does he care about this guy's ability to enjoy his surroundings? "What does do it for you," he asks, only part of him hoping for a legitimate answer. Low expectations are his preferred attitude toward--everything, all of the time.