Read this passage from "Thank You, M'am."

"Then, Roger, you go to that sink and wash your face," said the woman, whereupon she turned him loose - at last. Roger looked at the door - looked at the woman - looked at the door - and went to the sink.

What is the effect of the italics at the end of the passage?

a
They heighten the reader's fear.
b
They point ahead to the outcome of the story.
c
They create a sense of satisfaction in the reader.
d
They draw attention to a turning point in the story.