Textual Evidence - Paragraph 1 (Order of Events)
At the foot of the stairs the match went out, and he paused to strike another; and at the same moment a knock came so quiet and stealthy as to be scarcely audible, sounded on the front door.
The matches fell from his hand and spilled in the passage. He stood motionless, his breath suspended until the knock was repeated. Then he turned and fled swiftly back to his room, and closed the door behind him. A third knock sounded through the house. (paragraphs 34 - 35)
How this Affects Tension - Paragraph 1 (Order of Events)
Mr. and Mrs. White have been waiting to see if the second wish on the monkey's paw will bring their son, Herbert, back to life. The action in the scene alternates between the knocking on the door and Mr. White's reactions. This order of events creates tension by making it seem that whatever is knocking at the door is pursuing Mr. White after he has made his second wish.
Textual Evidence - Paragraph 2 (Pacing)
"WHAT'S THAT?" cried the old woman, starting up. "A rat," said the old man in shaking tones - "a rat. It passed me on the stairs."
His wife sat up in bed listening. A loud knock resounded through the house.
"It's Herbert!"
She ran to the door, but her husband was before her, and catching her by the arm, held her tightly.
"What are you going to do?" he whispered hoarsely.
"It's my boy; it's Herbert!" she cried, struggling mechanically. "I forgot it was two miles away. What are you holding me for? Let go. I must open the door."
"For God's sake don't let it in," cried the old man, trembling. (paragraphs 36 - 43)
How this Affects Tension - Paragraph 2 (Pacing)
Mrs. White cries out when she hears knocking on the door. This is the beginning of a series of fast actions and rapid dialogue Jacobs uses to speed up the pace. Tension increases as readers wonder what is on the other side of the door and whether Mrs. White will let "it" in.