Final answer:
Option (3), The character was metaphorically 'dispersing the dynamite' by slowly getting rid of significant items, likely books and papers, which symbolized destructive secrets or controversial knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the excerpts provided, it seems that the correct answer to the student's question, 'What did she start doing?' is 'dispersing the dynamite.' The term dynamite, in this context, appears to represent metaphorically the destructive secrets or perhaps controversial knowledge contained within the books and papers of Jane's possessions. Through the act of dispersing this figurative dynamite, she was slowly getting rid of these items of significance in her house. This dispersal could indicate a range of actions including the removal, destruction, or distribution of them to various places or people.
Each excerpt provided delves into the interaction of characters with books and secrets but does not directly reference any of the other options listed—reading books, writing a letter, or building a house. Therefore, we can deduce that 'dispersing the dynamite' aligns most closely with the action being described.