What information does oneill reveal in the exchange between the steward and ben

The information that O'Neill reveals on the exchange between the steward and Ben is by setting the scene of the play through a dialogue between Ben and the Steward after the Steward exclaims that there is "ice, ice, ice... holding us for a nigh on a year.  According to the Steward, Captain Keeney refuses to turn back as the captain is determined to get more oil first. O’Neill points out that much of the play’s conflict originates from the relationship between the captain and the crew. O’Neill provides the first physical description of Mrs. Keeney although Ben and the Steward have previously outlined some of her personality traits and recent advances.