Read the passage from “the monkey’s paw.” the whites are being offered compensation for herbert’s death. in what way does the stranger’s answer increase the tension of the rising action?

Read the passage from “The Monkey’s Paw.” The Whites are being offered compensation for Herbert’s death. In what way does the stranger’s answer increase the tension of the rising action?

From “The Monkey’s Paw”

The [visitor] coughed, and rising, walked slowly to the window. “The firm wished me to convey their sincere sympathy with you in your great loss,” he said, without looking round. “I beg that you will understand I am only their servant and merely obeying orders.”

There was no reply; the old woman’s face was white, her eyes staring, and her breath inaudible; on the husband’s face was a look such as his friend the sergeant might have carried into his first action.

“I was to say that Maw and Meggins disclaim all responsibility,” continued the other. “They admit no liability at all, but in consideration of your son’s services, they wish to present you with a certain sum as compensation.”

Mr. White dropped his wife’s hand, and rising to his feet, gazed with a look of horror at his visitor. His dry lips shaped the words, “How much?”

“Two hundred pounds,” was the answer.

Unconscious of his wife’s shriek, the old man smiled faintly, put out his hands like a sightless man, and dropped, a senseless heap, to the floor.

covert: hidden or secret

candid: truthful and straightforward

what i get from these phrases is covert means undercover or underground and that's where the flower is in april. on the other hand, may is the month where flowers start to bloom and thats the reason why candid is being used as a word to describe the blossoming period of a flower.

hope this answer you.

we need more information in order to answer.