The suspense

Actually, this scene does work quite well at establishing suspense. The audience might feel a sense of relief as Paris is on his way out the door. Then, when Capulet calls him back and changes his mind, this "relief" becomes concern. When Capulet tells his wife to go directly upstairs, this reminds us that somebody is up there who probably should not be up there -- and I doubt if the two kiddies are playing Canasta. Finally, Capulet remarks that "it is so late, that we may call it early, by and by." This reminds us further that Romeo is most certainly upstairs. It also reminds the audience that the play has exceeded the "two hours" which was promised, in the opening (Yawn.)

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