Self-Possession In Mr. Nuttel's 'Vera'

Vera was a 15 year old girl that was very manipulative and self-possessed. For example, one way the author shows her self-possession is by saying “Her great tragedy happened just three years ago” She’s starting her lie that she’s telling Mr. Nuttel. She said that so he could ask about it and start telling him her made up story. The author says “She stares out the window with dazed horror in her eyes.” She was trying to scare him into thinking the three figures were ghost’s.
Another example is when the author shows her self-possession is by saying “Then you know practically nothing about my aunt” She is trying to figure out if he knows about her aunt. It’s like she knows that she will be able to manipulate Mr. Nuttel if he knows nothing about