The conversation between Framton and Vera creates tension because Vera's story causes Framton to believe that Vera's aunt is mentally ill. In the conversation, Vera explains how three years before her aunt’s husband and two young brothers exited through the open window hunting. That summer was especially rainy, and all three of the men drowned in a “bog” while on their hunt. Since that day, her aunt has kept the window open during the evening, hoping the hunting party would someday walk back in through the window.