Dr. Heidegger's Experiment
by Nathaniel Hawthorne (excerpt)

Meanwhile, the three gentlemen behaved in such a manner as proved that the water of the Fountain of Youth possessed some intoxicating qualities; unless, indeed, their exhilaration of spirits were merely a lightsome dizziness caused by the sudden removal of the weight of years. Mr. Gascoigne's mind seemed to run on political topics, but whether relating to the past, present, or future, could not easily be determined, since the same ideas and phrases have been in vogue these fifty years. Now he rattled forth full-throated sentences about patriotism, national glory, and the people's right now he muttered some perilous stuff or other, in a sly and doubtful whisper, so cautiously that even his own conscience could scarcely catch the secret and now, again, he spoke in measured accents, and a deeply deferential tone, as if a royal ear were listening to his well-turned periods.

Based on the excerpt from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," which sentence best describes Mr. Gascoigne?

A: Mr. Gascoigne was fueled with feelings of patriotism and he felt compassion for his friends.

B. Mr. Gascoigne was so thrilled to hear himself speak that he didn't care who was listening.

C. Mr. Gascoigne became delirious and couldn't help talking incessantly to everyone.

D. Mr. Gascoigne was feeling nostalgic and wanted to show off his knowledge of politics.

E. Mr. Gascoigne had delusions about his understanding of national politics and people's rights.​