The Open Window

Question

by H. H. Munro (Saki)

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

“Hardly a soul,” said Framton. “My sister was staying here, at the rectory, you know, some four years ago, and she gave me letters of introduction to some of the people here.”

He made the last statement in a tone of distinct regret.

“Then you know practically nothing about my aunt?” pursued the self-possessed young lady.

“Only her name and address,” admitted the caller. He was wondering whether Mrs. Sappleton was in the married or widowed state. An undefinable something about the room seemed to suggest masculine habitation.

“Her great tragedy happened just three years ago,” said the child; “that would be since your sister’s time.”

“Her tragedy?” asked Framton; somehow in this restful country spot tragedies seemed out of place.

"The Open Window" by H.H. Munro ("Saki")

Question
Use the excerpt from the story “The Open Window” to answer the question.

What assumption does Nuttel make about the setting in this moment?

(1 point)
Responses

He assumes a country tragedy will turn out to be charming and amusing.
He assumes a country tragedy will turn out to be charming and amusing.

He assumes the niece is a stranger to the area, like him.
He assumes the niece is a stranger to the area, like him.

He assumes his sister would have told him about the aunt’s tragedy.
He assumes his sister would have told him about the aunt’s tragedy.

He assumes nothing too tragic could happen here.
He assumes nothing too tragic could happen here.

Answer 1

In this moment, Nuttel assumes that nothing too tragic could happen in this restful country spot. This is reflected in his reaction to the mention of a tragedy, as he finds it seems out of place in such a tranquil setting. Therefore, the correct response is:

He assumes nothing too tragic could happen here.