This is a good observation. The General reveals to Rainsford that Rainsford himself will be the hunted in page 11-15 of the story. So, your observation is correct. There is a delay in introducing the main conflict. The main reason for this is to keep Rainsford in suspense and study his reaction.
These lines taken from "The Snow Man" might be interpreted in these ways. One possibility is to have an objective view of the nature of a winter landscape without attributing any personal emotions to it. The other interpretarion is the assiciation of winter with misery, sadness and loneliness, the feelings that are related to the picture of the wind blowing with just a few leaves.
Your answer is C listen and respond carefully to others
C.people who are lonely and isolated are bond to be unhappy
