What important information is shared in the exposition of the story

On a cold and rainy night, Mr. White and his son play chess in their warm parlor while Mrs. White knits comfortably. As they play, Mr. White complains that their villa is too far away from the town and it is difficult to travel there. He is expecting a guest, but the road is bad. What adds to his annoyance is that he loses the game to his son.

The weather foreshadows evil to come.

The chess game helps characterize both Mr. White and his son Herbert.

The cozy domestic seen juxtaposes the chaos about to happen.