Why do you think the young lady asked Framton the initial set of questions?

At the beginning of the story, Framton Nuttel arrives at Mrs. Sappleton's home with a letter of introduction and is greeted by her mischievous niece, Vera. Vera initially asks Mr. Nuttel if he knows anyone from around the area and if he is familiar with her aunt, Mrs. Sappleton. Framton responds by telling Vera that he knows absolutely nobody from the area and only knows Mrs. Sappleton's name and address. Vera then begins to tell...

At the beginning of the story, Framton Nuttel arrives at Mrs. Sappleton's home with a letter of introduction and is greeted by her mischievous niece, Vera. Vera initially asks Mr. Nuttel if he knows anyone from around the area and if he is familiar with her aunt, Mrs. Sappleton. Framton responds by telling Vera that he knows absolutely nobody from the area and only knows Mrs. Sappleton's name and address. Vera then begins to tell Mr. Nuttel a made-up story about why her aunt leaves the French window open. The reason Vera initially questions Frampton Nuttel is to understand his background better and discern if he is gullible enough to believe her fanciful ghost story. Vera's inquiries indicate that Mr. Nuttel will be easily deceived and that she can have fun making the neurotic, unfamiliar man lose his nerve when Mr. Sappleton and Ronnie arrive home after hunting.