How does the authors repeated use of the word dreadful advance the plot for the reader?

Vera's repeated use of
the word "dreadful"which she employs twice in her fictitious description of the sad
fate of her aunt's husband and younger brotherscertainly adds to the mood and the sense of
foreboding that the reader gets. It prepares us to believe Vera's story, just as poor Frampton
Nuttel does. Words like "creepy," "shudder," "treacherous," and
"tragedies" also add to the ominous feeling that Vera tries to create with her story,
it seems, in order to freak out poor Frampton.

Then, when Mrs. Sappleton
references the very husband and brothers that Vera has already described in such a
"dreadful" way, Frampton is primed to get completely spooked, just as we are. When he
turns with a "chill shock of nameless fear" at the men's approach, we know exactly
what he's thinking: that their ghosts have indeed returned. We understand his feeling because we
are likely feeling something similar. Word choices like these build suspense and draw the reader
into the story more fully, allowing us to sympathize with Frampton.