Answer and Explanation:
The author clearly uses a third-person point of view, which can be seen due to the lack of first person pronouns. Whether his point of view is limited or omniscient, however, is impossible to tell just from this part. This passage focuses solely on Mina, and even with her the narrator is not revealing any thoughts. As for creating interest in the story, the author introduces a conflict right from the start: the mysterious red box at Mina's feet. This event makes readers curious as to who left it there and why, and what the box contains.
To conclude the question your answer would be, Man vs Society.
Answer:
a. while
Explanation:
My phone rang while I was in the meeting.
