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Title: The Open Window - A Mischievous Tale

Adapted from Saki's short story.
Characters
Framton Nuttel - A nervous visitor seeking solace.
Mrs. Sappleton - The cheerful hostess.
Vera Mrs. Sappleton's mischievous niece with a flair for storytelling.
Mr. Sappleton - The returning husband.
Ronnie and Bertie - Mrs. Sappleton's brothers.
Neighbour - A lively village gossip.
Servant - Adds to the setting's authenticity.
Setting
A cozy drawing room in a countryside house, featuring a large French window that opens to
a garden. The stage is split into the indoor living space and the outdoor garden visible through the window.
Scene 1: The Arrival of Framton Nuttel
(Lights up. Vera is seated by the fireplace, reading a book. The servant enters with Framton Nuttel, who appears nervous and
fidgety.)
Servant: Mr. Framton Nuttel, ma'am. Please, have a seat. Mrs. Sappleton will be down shortly.
(The servant exits. Framton stands awkwardly, clutching his hat. Vera looks up, smiles politely, and sets her book aside.)
Vera: Good afternoon, Mr. Nuttel. I've been expecting you. My aunt mentioned you'd be visiting.
Framton: (Adjusting his tie nervously) Good afternoon, young lady. Your aunt is very kind to entertain a stranger I hope I'm
not imposing.
Vera: (Warmly) Not at all. Aunt enjoys visitors-it brightens up the countryside monotony. Framton: (Relieved) That's kind of
her. I came here on my doctor's orders to seek peace, quiet, and fresh air for my nerves.
Vera: (Feigning curiosity) Nerves? Oh, I hope the open countryside doesn't unsettle you further.
Framton: (Curious) Unsettle me? Why would it?
Vera: (Leaning in conspiratorially) Well, there's a story attached to this house. A rather tragic one.
Framton: (Leaning forward nervously) Tragic? What happened?
Vera: (Gesturing to the . of them?
Vera: (Dramatic pause) They were swallowed by the treacherous bogs. My poor aunt keeps the window open, hoping they'll
return. She can't accept they're gone.

2. Framton Nuttel- A nervous man seeking rest in the countryside. Vera - A clever, mischievous young girl, niece of Mrs.
Sappleton. Mrs. Sappleton - Vera's aunt, cheerful and unaware of Vera's story. Mr. Sappleton - Mrs. Sappleton's husband, an
amiable, jovial man. Ronnie - Mrs. Sappleton's younger brother, humorous and carefree.
The Servant - Introduces Framton to the house and provides comic relief.
Neighbour - A friend of the family who visits briefly, adding an extra layer of distraction for
Framton.
Scene 1: The Arrival of Framton Nuttel
(The cozy living room of Mrs. Sappleton's country house. A servant shows Framton Nuttel into the room. Vera, sitting by the
fireplace, looks up from her book. The servant leaves after a polite bow.)
Servant: Please wait here, sir. Madam will be down shortly.
(The servant exits, leaving Framton looking nervous and out of place.)
Vera: (Rising politely) You must be Mr. Nuttel. Aunt told me to expect you. I trust you had a pleasant journey?
Framton: (Wringing his hands) Oh, yes. Quite pleasant, I suppose. The countryside is very... tranquil.
Vera: (Tilting her head curiously) And yet you seem rather uneasy. Is this your first visit here?
Framton: Yes, my sister suggested this retreat. She stayed here years ago and thought the fresh air might help my nerves.

3, Scene 1: The Arrival of Framton Nuttel

(The living room of Mrs. Sappleton's country house. A servant escorts Framton Nuttel
inside. Vera is seated by the fireplace, reading a book. The servant announces Framton and then exits.)
Servant: Mr. Framton Nuttel, ma'am. Please make yourself comfortable. Mrs. Sappleton will be down shortly.
(Framton stands awkwardly in the room. Vera looks up and smiles politely.)
Vera: Good afternoon, Mr. Nuttel. I've been expecting you. My aunt mentioned you'd be visiting.
Framton: (Nervously fiddling with his hat) Yes, uh... good afternoon. Your aunt is very kind to receive me. I hope I'm not
intruding.
Vera: (Setting down her book) Not at all. Aunt loves visitors. It breaks the monotony of... well, the countryside. (Pauses
dramatically) Though I must say, not everyone feels comfortable here.
Framton: (Curious) Not comfortable? Why ever not?
Vera: (Gesturing to the open French window) Oh, it's just... the atmosphere. Some find it... unsettling.
Framton: (Leaning forward) Unsettling?
Vera: (Lowering her voice, glancing at the window) You see, there's a story attached to this house. Something tragic
happened here.
Framton: (Uneasily) Tragic?
Vera: (Nods solemnly) Yes. Three years ago today, my uncle and her younger brother left through that very window for a
shooting trip. They never came back.
(She pauses, watching his reaction. Framton leans back, visibly tense.)
Framton: Never came back? What happened?
Vera: They were swallowed by the bogs. Aunt keeps the window open, hoping they'll return one day. She's never given up
hope.
(Framton glances at the window, visibly unsettled. Footsteps are heard approaching from the hallway.)
Scene 2: Mrs. Sappleton's Entrance
(Mrs. Sappleton enters, cheerful and full of energy. She's carrying a tray with some embroidery materials. Vera quickly
resumes her book, looking innocent.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Smiling) Mr. Nuttel! Welcome to our little corner of the world. I trust Vera has been keeping you
entertained.
Framton: (Standing nervously) Yes, yes, she has been most... informative.
Mrs. Sappleton: Do sit down, please. (Gestures to a chair) I hope you don't mind the open window. My husband and brother
will be back soon. They always come in through that way. (Framton stiffens, glancing anxiously at the window. Vera
suppresses a sly smile.) Framton: (Clearing his throat) The window... yes, I noticed it was open.
Mrs. Sappleton: Oh, they'll be here soon, likely with their spaniel trailing behind. They never use the door; they always come
straight through, muddy boots and all. (Laughs lightly)
1.Vera: (Feigning innocence) Ah, but she never told you about the tragedy, did she?
Framton: (Alarmed) Tragedy?
Vera: (Pointing dramatically to the French window) That window. My aunt keeps it open... always open. It's a dreadful habit,
really.
(Vera leans in, lowering her voice conspiratorially.)
Vera: Three years ago, on this very day, my uncle and her younger brother left for a shooting trip. They went out that very
window, with their little spaniel bounding along. (Pauses for effect) They never returned.
Framton: (Eyes widening) Never?

2. Vera: (Gravely) Never. They were lost to the bogs, swallowed whole. Aunt believes they'll return, muddy boots and all, just
as they were. That's why the window stays open-to welcome them back.
(Framton shifts uncomfortably, glancing repeatedly at the window. There's an uneasy silence before footsteps echo from the
hallway.)
Scene 2: Mrs. Sappleton's Entrance
(Mrs. Sappleton enters, cheerful and brisk, carrying a basket of embroidery supplies. Vera returns to her seat, a picture of
innocence.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Smiling warmly) Mr. Nuttel, how lovely to meet you! I hope Vera has been keeping you entertained.
Framton: (Standing awkwardly) Oh, yes, quite... quite entertained.
Mrs. Sappleton: Do sit down. (Gestures to a chair) I hope you don't mind the open window. My husband and brother will be
home soon from their shooting trip.
(Framton freezes, staring at her in horror. Vera hides a sly smile behind her book.)
Mrs. Sappleton: They always come in that way, you see. Muddy boots and all-such a mess, but what can you do? (Laughs)
Framton: (Weakly) Oh, of course...
(A knock interrupts them. The servant enters, followed by a friendly neighbour, who greets Mrs. Sappleton.)
Neighbour: Pardon the intrusion, but I thought I'd return your basket.
Mrs. Sappleton: How kind! Do stay for tea.
(The neighbour notices Framton's pale face.)
Neighbour: You look like you've seen a ghost, sir.
Framton: (Muttering) The window... the bog...
(The others exchange puzzled glances. Mrs. Sappleton offers tea, while Vera exchanges knowing looks with the audience.)
Scene 3: The Return

3. The servant re-enters with tea and biscuits, placing them on the table.) Servant: Tea is served, ma'am. Shall I bring
anything else?
Mrs. Sappleton: No, thank you. That will be all.
(The servant exits. Mrs. Sappleton pours tea, offering a cup to Framton.) Mrs. Sappleton: So, Mr. Nuttel, what brings you to
our quiet little village?
Framton: (Fumbling with his teacup) Doctor's orders, I'm afraid. Rest, peace, and fresh air
for my nerves.
Mrs. Sappleton: (Sympathetically) Ah, nerves. Such a modern ailment, isn't it? But you'll find the countryside quite
restorative.
Vera: (Interjecting) Unless, of course, you find it... unnerving.
(Mrs. Sappleton looks at Vera with a puzzled expression, but Framton shifts uncomfortably
in his seat.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Changing the subject) I do hope you like shooting, Mr. Nuttel. It's all the
rage around here.
Framton: (Hastily) Oh no, no. I don't shoot. Too much excitement for me.
(Mrs. Sappleton raises her eyebrows, but before she can respond, Vera dramatically gasps and clutches her book.)
Scene 3: The Neighbour's Visit
(A knock at the door interrupts them. The servant re-enters with a cheerful neighbour, who steps in with a basket of
preserves.)
Neighbour: Hello, Mrs. Sappleton! I thought I'd stop by and drop these off. Freshly made this morning.
Mrs. Sappleton: How thoughtful! Do stay for tea.
(The neighbour sits down, eyeing Framton curiously.) Neighbour: (To Framton) New in town, are you?
Framton: Yes, just visiting.
Neighbour: Oh, you'll find the village quite charming. (Leaning in) Except for the ghost stories, of course.
Mrs. Sappleton: (Laughing) Don't start with your tales now! Poor Mr. Nuttel is here to relax. Neighbour: (Mocking innocence)
Tales? What tales? Surely, he's heard about the bogs. (Framton nearly spills his tea. Vera hides her smile behind her book.)
Vera: (Softly) I think he has.
(Mrs. Sappleton frowns, clearly puzzled, but before she can press further, Vera suddenly gasps again, this time pointing at
the window.)
Scene 4: The Return
(Everyone turns toward the window. Mr. Sappleton, Ronnie, and their spaniel are seen approaching, chatting and laughing as
they carry their hunting gear.)
Mrs. Sappleton: Oh, there they are! Right on time.
Framton: (Horrified) It's... it's them!
(He jumps to his feet, knocking over his chair, and grabs his hat and coat in a frenzy.) Mrs. Sappleton: (Startled) Mr. Nuttel,
what on earth-?
Neighbour: (Chuckling) Goodness, man, they're not ghosts!

1. Framton glances at the window uneasily. Footsteps are heard approaching. Vera leans back, hiding a sly smile.)
Scene 2: Mrs. Sappleton's Entrance
(Mrs. Sappleton enters cheerfully, carrying embroidery materials. Vera quickly picks up her book and acts innocent.)
Mrs. Sappleton: Mr. Nuttel! Welcome to our little corner of the world. I hope Vera's been keeping you entertained.
Framton: (Forcing a smile) Oh, yes... very much so.
Mrs. Sappleton: (Gestures to a chair) Please, have a seat. I hope you don't mind the open window. My husband and brothers
will be back soon. They always come through that way. Framton: (Visibly startled) The window?
Mrs. Sappleton: (Laughs lightly) Yes, it's their habit-muddy boots, spaniel, and all. Such creatures of routine!
(Framton stiffens. Vera hides her amusement behind her book. The servant enters with tea, followed by a cheerful
neighbour carrying a basket of preserves.)
Scene 3: The Neighbour's Visit
Neighbour: Good afternoon, Mrs. Sappleton! Thought I'd drop off some fresh preserves. Mrs. Sappleton: How thoughtful!
Do join us for tea.
(The neighbour takes a seat, eyeing Framton curiously.)
Neighbour: New to the village, are you?
Framton: (Shaky) Y-yes. Just here for some rest.
Neighbour: Ah, you'll find it peaceful-unless the ghost stories get to you.
Mrs. Sappleton: (Playfully scolding) Now don't frighten him! He's here to relax.
Neighbour: (Chuckling) I'm just teasing. But you must have heard about the bogs, eh? (Framton pales, nearly spilling his tea.
Vera suppresses a laugh. Suddenly, she gasps, pointing at the window.)
Scene 4: The Return
(Everyone turns toward the window. Mr. Sappleton, Ronnie, and Bertie appear outside, laughing and carrying their hunting
gear. Their spaniel trots behind them.)
Mrs. Sappleton: Oh, there they are! Right on time.
Framton: (Panicked) It's... it's them!
(He jumps up, knocking over his chair, grabs his hat, and bolts out the door in terror.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Alarmed) Mr. Nuttel! What on earth-?
Neighbour: (Laughing) Goodness, he ran as if he'd seen a ghost!
Mr. Sappleton: (Entering through the window) What was that about?
Ro1nie: Did we scare him?
Vera: (Deadpan) Oh, I think it was the dog. He's terribly afraid of dogs.
(Everyone laughs, shrugging off the incident. Vera looks out the window, her expression mischievous.)
Final Scene: Vera's Revelation.
2.

(As Mrs. Sappleton chats with the neighbour, Vera suddenly gasps, dropping her book dramatically.)
Vera: (Pointing to the window) There they are!
(Everyone turns. Through the window, Mr. Sappleton, Ronnie, and their spaniel are seen approaching, laughing and chatting.
They carry their gear, waving cheerfully.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Brightly) Oh, there they are at last! Right on time.
Framton: (Horrified, stumbling to his feet) It's them... it's them!
(He grabs his coat and hat, rushing to the door.)
Mrs. Sappleton: (Startled) What on earth? Mr. Nuttel, what's the matter?
Neighbour: Good heavens, he's bolted!
(The men enter through the window, confused by the commotion.)
Mr. Sappleton: What's all this? Who was that fellow?
Ronnie: Did we scare him off? I only waved!
Mrs. Sappleton: (Shaking her head) I have no idea. He ran as if he'd seen a ghost.
Vera: (Calmly, with a straight face) It must have been the dog. My Aunt said he's deathly afraid of dogs. Poor man probably
thought it would attack him.
(The family laughs, shrugging off the incident. Vera resumes her book, her mischievous smile hinting at her secret triumph.)
Ending Scene: Vera's Revelation
(The stage lights dim, focusing on Vera, who looks directly at the audience, smirking.)
Vera: (With mock seriousness) Romance at short notice was always my specialty.
(She winks, leaving the audience to chuckle as the curtain falls.)
(The lights dim, focusing on Vera, who steps forward and addresses the audience directly.) Vera: Romance at short notice
really is my specialty.
(She winks, and the curtain falls.)
Highlights of This Version
Expanded Dialogue: Richer interactions between characters.
Added Humor: The neighbour's dialogue enhances the comic elements.
Climactic Action: Framton's exaggerated escape creates visual humour.
Vera's Impact: Ends with a clear nod to her mischievous nature.

Framton: (Horrified) It's... it's them!

(He jumps to his feet, knocking over his chair, and grabs his hat and coat in a frenzy.) Mrs. Sappleton: (Startled) Mr. Nuttel,
what on earth-?
Neighbour: (Chuckling) Goodness, man, they're not ghosts!
Framton: (Panicked, rushing to the door) I must leave! Now!
(He bolts out of the house, leaving everyone staring after him in confusion.)
Mr. Sappleton: (Entering through the window) What was that all about?
Ronnie: Did we scare him off?
Mrs. Sappleton: (Shaking her head) I have no idea. He ran as if he'd seen a ghost! Vera: (Calmly, with a straight face) I think it
was the dog. My aunt mentioned he's terribly afraid of dogs. He probably thought it would attack him.
(The group laughs, shrugging off the incident. Vera looks out the window, hiding her sly grin.)
Final Scene: Vera's Revelation
(The lights dim, focusing on Vera, who turns to the audience with a mischievous smile.) Vera: (Innocently) Romance at short
notice really is my specialty.
(She winks, leaving the audience laughing as the curtain falls.)
This version adds a neighbour for light-hearted interaction, more humour, and stronger dialogue exchanges to emphasize
Vera's mischief and Framton's nervousness. It enhances the overall pacing and impact while staying true to the original tone.