How was tension created by Sinclair Ross in the story "The Painted Door"?

Tension is created in "The Painted Door" through a combination of the isolation of the farm, the weather, the feelings and emotions of the main character, and finally, through the act of adultery. When Ann learns that John plans to walk to his father's farm, she reminds him that, "There was a double wheel around the moon last night." The reader learns that this is some indication of a winter storm coming. We have our first feelings of tension when John leaves. Ann reminds John that she is lonely when he leaves, but that she'll busy herself by doing some painting. When John leaves, Ann experiences tension because of her loneliness. The house, which is secluded, suddenly feels colder to her. She describes the silence as "weighing upon her." She busies herself by painting the door and baking, but she is constantly trying to remind herself that John is a good man and that he'll return.
When Steven arrives, there is more tension as Ann begins to notice the differences in his face and John's. As she considers Steven's smile and youth, she reminds herself that John is a good man. We feel more tension as Ann seems to be fighting the cold, the loneliness, and her feelings for Steven all at once. Finally, Ann gives in and commits adultery with Steven. Steven seems to feel no guilt as he sleeps soundly, but Ann feels overwhelming feelings of guilt, and "dreams" that she sees John's face.
The story ends with John being found frozen to death. As she looks at her husband, she sees that he has paint on the palm of his hand. We feel one final tense moment as Ann is left to realize that her husband, whom she knew would always return, did in fact return to see that his wife had had an affair.