Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

There was something so piquant and original in these elucidations of humanity, that Mr. Shelby could not help laughing in company. Perhaps you laugh too, dear reader; but you know humanity comes out in a variety of strange forms now-a-days, and there is no end to the odd things that humane people will say and do. (p.7)

The excerpt above is an example of the author _____.

A. stating her purpose
B. developing a parallel plot
C. using dramatic irony
D. using direct address