Answer :
In the short story "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the stranger is in desperate need of work so that he can arrange dinner for himself and his companions. His main objective of taking interest in Elisa's chrysanthemums is to keep her talking for a long time. He wants to influence Elisa to think kindly of him so she will give him some pots, pans, knives or scissors to mend. He is a good salesman and knows how to encourage people to take up his services.