How could Mary tell there was something wrong with

her husband?

(A)

He was late coming home.

He didn't want a drink.

He drank more than usual.

He was oddly quiet.

C. He drank more than usual

Explanation:

This question refers to Roald Dahl's short story "Lamb to the Slaughter".

Mary Maloney is waiting for ger husband Patrick to arrive home from work. She is sewing and seems quite happy and enjoys that everyday routine of welcoming Patrick every day at the same time.

She takes his coat, makes him a drink and patiently waits for him to finish his drink for the conversation to slowly start:

"She loved the intent ... and especially the way he remained silent about his tiredness, sitting still with himself until the whiskey had taken some of it away."

The first signal that something is unusual was Patrick's quick pouring of his drink and wish to get another:

"And as he spoke, he did an unusual thing. He lifted his glass and drained it in one swallow although there was still half of it"

Final confirmation that something indeed was going on was his insisting on her sitting down as he had to tell her something important.