The Open Window

The Open Window is a short story by Saki, the pen name of British writer Hector Hugh Munro.

The story follows a nervous man visiting the countryside in the hope that a quiet environment will improve his health. During a visit to a local family, he meets a clever young girl who tells him a disturbing story about an open window in the room.

According to her tale, the window has been left open because her aunt still expects her husband and brothers to return from a hunting trip, even though they supposedly died years earlier. When the men suddenly appear outside, the terrified visitor believes he is seeing ghosts and runs from the house.

Saki uses irony, deception, and dark humor to create a surprising ending. The story shows how easily a convincing tale can manipulate someone who is already anxious and ready to believe it.

"“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.”
Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come. "