I think the answer is present because after is earlier before okay
The story begins with a panoramic view of the Salinas Valley in winter, which is very common in various of Steinbeck's stories. When Elisa is planting her chrysanthemums, her husband shows up to talk to her after he made a deal selling some head of cattle to the Western Meat Company.
C. With a preview of the conclusion
He is inferring that the place is as crowded or popular as a circus.
Hope it helped! :)
