There is a secret about one of my rooms on which I feel disposed to try an experiment. So, gentlemen, none of you shall know who has the haunted chamber, until circumstances reveal it. I will not even know it myself, but will leave it to chance and the allotment of the housekeeper. At the same time, if it will be any satisfaction to you, I will observe, for the honor of my paternal mansion, that there’s scarcely a chamber in it but is well worthy of being haunted.” What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?

a) The pace of the story quickens.
b) The word choice darkens the tone.
c) Odd characters are introduced.
d) Setting details are intentionally omitted.