The night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnum villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Fathe
r and son were at chess; the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving radical chances, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire. "Hark at the wind," said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late, was amiably desirous of preventing his son from seeing it.
"I'm listening," said the latter grimly surveying the board as he stretched out his hand. "Check."
"I should hardly think that he's come tonight," said his father, with his hand poised over the board.
"Mate," replied the son.
Why does the author open the story by narrating a game of chess between Mr. White and his son, Henry?
A) It introduces the reader to the control Mrs. White has over the decisions her husband makes later in the story.
B) It teaches the reader that Henry's insolence will cost Mr. White dearly later in the story.
C) It reminds the reader that chess was an important cultural dimension of England's colonial rule in India.
D) It teaches the reader to expect impulsive behavior from Mr. White's interactions with the guest the Whites are expecting.
