Final answer:
The action referred to by the student's question, considering the context of the provided texts, is 'closed'. This verb aligns with the movements and intentions of characters in the excerpts, where controlling the curtains' position is related to privacy, ending visual encounters, or changing the room's exposure to outside elements. Option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided passages, it becomes evident that the action referred to is associated with the movement of curtains in relation to a window. The sentences from the provided text describe an interaction with curtains through actions like gazing through an open space or moving to draw or close them.
When considering the initial question and the verbs provided as options, the most suitable choice that resonates with the essence of the passages is closed. This choice matches the intent and context captured in the passages where characters are engaged with the curtains to either end an interaction, such as avoiding a gaze or creating privacy.
From the texts we can see various instances where curtains play a role in the narrative:
The character Mariam had quickly closed the curtains to presumably maintain privacy or end the visual encounter.
A character awakens and stretches an arm to draw the curtain, indicating an intention to cover the window.
Old Grannis listens to faint rustlings, possibly indicating a motion of curtains being gently moved or closed. Option b.