The Open Window

“‘My aunt will be down presently, Mr. Nuttel,’ said a very self-possessed young lady of fifteen; ‘in the meantime you must try and put up with me.’”

In the first sentence, Saki plays with Edwardian society’s etiquette. The description of the current hostess indicates that she is both overtly confident and not yet considered a woman in society, thus, not a proper hostess. This foreshadows the satire and the fact that the young lady ought not to be fully trusted—she is already engaged in trickery.

“Framton wondered whether Mrs. Sappleton, the lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction came into the nice division.”

According to the rules of Edwardian society, letters of introduction allowed visitors to call on strangers connected only by a common acquaintance. Saki highlights the absurdity of this custom when he indicates that not only is Framton unfamiliar with his hostess, but so is his sister, who provided the letter of introduction—so much so that he cannot be sure whether she is known to be a kind woman who will be receptive to his visit.

“‘Do you know many people round here?’ asked the niece, when she judged that they had had sufficient silent communion.”

By mentioning the “sufficient silent communion,” Saki again highlights the absurdity of Edwardian etiquette. A proper hostess would not allow the conversation to lapse uncomfortably while a child of Vera’s age would likely not be welcome to initiate a conversation with strangers, especially without a proper introduction. Additionally, Vera’s pointed question foreshadows that she is attempting to uncover what her unwitting victim knows of the family so she can create a convincing story.