Final answer:
George is calm when talking to Lennie to spare him from feeling guilty.
Step-by-step explanation:
George's calm demeanor when talking to Lennie can be attributed to option c) George is trying to hide his true emotions to spare Lennie from feeling guilty. Throughout the novel, George serves as a caretaker and protector for Lennie, who has a mental disability. George understands that Lennie's actions often have unintended consequences, and he doesn't want to add to Lennie's distress. By remaining calm, George is trying to maintain a sense of stability and reassurance for Lennie.