What is most likely the author’s intent in the following passage (paragraph 29)?

Question

a. To add humor to the story by calling attention to odd behavior
b. To show that the soldier does not want to be visiting the White family
c. To foreshadow the unfortunate events that will later happen because of the paw
d. To call the reader’s attention to the soldier’s dislike for the young boy and his question
it's in paragraph 29
this is what it says in paragraph 29
The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. “I have,” he said, quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.
Please tell me the answer as soon as you can. Thank you in advance