Question

read the excerpt from \the adventure of the mysterious picture.\all this was half muttered to myself, as i hastily slipped on my clothes; which having done, i groped my way out of the room, and down-stairs to the drawing-room. here, after tumbling over two or three pieces of furniture, i made out to reach a sofa, and stretching myself upon it determined to bivouac there for the night.what technique does irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?○ the pace of the story quickens.○ the word choice darkens the tone.○ the outcome of events becomes uncertain.○ the setting details are intentionally omitted.

Explanation:

The excerpt uses quick, hasty actions ("hastily slipped", "groped my way", "tumbling over furniture") that create a sense of urgency, making the story's pace speed up to build suspense. The other options do not fit: the tone is not dark, the outcome is stated (the narrator will sleep on the sofa), and setting details are provided, not omitted.

Answer:

The pace of the story quickens.