Read the passage from "The Lady, or the Tiger.” He turned, and with a firm and rapid step he walked across the empty space. Every heart stopped beating, every breath was held, every eye was fixed immovably upon that man. Without the slightest hesitation, he went to the door on the right, and opened it.

What is the most likely reason that the author describes the crowd’s reaction to the scene about to unfold?

to build suspense
to create conflict
to portray wisdom
to teach a lesson