Which line best establishes the matter-of-fact tone at the beginning of the story?
A. On the 25th March, 18 , a very strange occurrence took place in St Petersburg.
B. . . . on his sign-board, on which was depicted the head of a gentleman with one cheek soaped, the only inscription to be read was, "Blood-letting done here."
C. A nose, an actual nose; and, moreover, it seemed to be the nose of an acquaintance!
D. He put in his finger, and drew out a nose!
