Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. Sappleton's mischievous niece Vera inquires about Framton Nuttel's background in order to play a cruel prank on him. As soon as Vera lays eyes on Framton Nuttel, she views him as a plausible target and begins asking him several relevant questions regarding his background, familiarity with her aunt, and if he knows any of the neighbors. Vera's inquiry gives her the valuable information she is seeking, and Vera recognizes that Framton is the perfect victim for one of her spontaneous pranks. When Vera asks Framton if he knows her aunt or anyone nearby, Framton informs her that he is a complete stranger. Framton unknowingly plays right into Vera's hand and sets himself up for disaster.
Once Vera confirms that Framton is a complete stranger, she proceeds to tell him a fantastic ghost story, which she will use to prank her gullible guest. Vera is an excellent judge of character and realizes that Framton is too timid and anxious to question the validity of her story. Framton accepts the unnerving story at face value and becomes even more disturbed when Mrs. Sappleton begins casually discussing her husband and brothers' recent trip to the marshes.
When the men return from the marshes, Vera acts astonished and horrified, which dramatically increases Framton's anxiety and fear. Saki writes,