I believe the tone is somewhat dramatic based on the dialogue such as "shot his hand out in front of him", it makes the story seem a lot more interesting than what it really is; a normal encounter.
In looking at the answer choices, a few can be dismissed immediately. From the passage it doesn't seem that the dismissal of the narrator's questions affects her too much. Therefore we can eliminate answers that show a drastic change in the narrator's emotions (the narrator feeling inadequate, lacking control, and fearing she may be doomed). The only answer left is that the narrator is dismissed. In gothic literature women are often seen as helpless, innocent victims.
Answer: Making something longer than it should be, like prolonging the process.
Explanation:
A if you had boated last n the Thames
