Read the excerpt from "the mysterious stranger." the romantic character of the place delighted me; i was very much amused by the air of adventure and intrigue that prevailed in this region of masks and gondolas; and i was exceedingly smitten by a pair of languishing black eyes, that played upon my heart from under an italian mantle. so i persuaded myself that i was lingering at venice to study men and manners. which short story element does irving reveal in the excerpt? a. internal conflict b. the plot’s climax c. the theme or message d. a character’s thoughts