Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?

Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?

Answer: The bus conductor called Valli ‘madam’ because she behaved in a matured and commanding way. She gave proper reply to conductor’s query. When the conductor stretched out his hand to help her on the bus, she said that she could get on by herself. She did not require anybody’s help. She always laid emphasis on the fact that she had paid her full fare, so she should not be treated in a different way.