To determine the best mood that describes the excerpt from "Dusk" by H.H. Munro, we can analyze the themes, tone, and atmosphere conveyed in the text.
In "Dusk," the mood often reflects a sense of foreboding and an exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and societal behavior. Given the context of the story, the best option here would likely be:
d. gloomy and ominous
This choice captures the underlying tension and darker themes present in the narrative.