Why does the author include seven sentences, spread over two paragraphs, between the moment when the narrator and her family find the box and when Great-Aunt Gertrude’s good deed is revealed? By placing more sentences between the rising action the climax, the pace is increased and the tension builds.

By describing each and every detail in this short scene, the author increases the pace and, thus, increases the mystery.

By deliberately slowing the pace of the story at this point, the author increases and draws out the tension felt by readers.

By bringing the pace of the story to a crawl, the author begins to assuage tension and signals to readers that the resolution is near.