The first option, "The hurried ink and faded signature create a sense of urgency and mystery," effectively illustrates how the author's word choice contributes to the tone. This description evokes a feeling of immediacy and intrigue, suggesting that the content of the letter carries significance that may impact the narrative or Celeste's journey in a meaningful way. The choice of words like "hurried" and "faded" implies that the letter is not just an ordinary correspondence but holds a weight of importance that aligns with the tone of urgency and potential suspense.
The other options do not capture the same level of contribution to tone as they either downplay the letter's significance or suggest neutrality, leading to a less engaging tone.