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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: "Afterward".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the narrator say that Ned and Mary are "two romantic Americans" (83)?
(a) Because they are not being practical about their search for a house.
(b) Because neither one has any common sense.
(c) Because they tell Alida a far-fetched story about their previous home.
(d) Because they are clearly deeply in love.

2. Why is Mary unsure what Ned has or has not already told her about Beb Elwell?
(a) Because the Bob Elwell story is very similar to another incident in their past.
(b) Because Ned has a habit of lying about what he has or has not told her.
(c) Because ever since they moved into the house, her memory is getting weaker.
(d) Because she does not pay much attention when he talks about work.

3. When Mary discards her first two ideas about what is bothering Ned, she comes to a conclusion that upsets her. What is it?
(a) Ned is probably ill.
(b) Ned is keeping a secret from her.
(c) Ned is having an affair.
(d) Ned is angry at her.

4. In section "II," what question does Mary repeatedly ask Ned that evening in the library?
(a) She asks whether it was a good idea to move into this particular house.
(b) She asks whether he has given up trying to see the ghost.
(c) She asks him what secret he is keeping from her.
(d) She asks whether he is having an affair.

5. What is the only descriptive detail that the maid is able to give Mary about the stranger's appearance?
(a) He had an unusual hat.
(b) He wore foreign clothing.
(c) He walked with a limp.
(d) He was not very tall.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mary have a hard time seeing the details of the man's appearance on that day in October?

2. Why does Mary believe that people should not talk about seeing ghosts?

3. When Mary thinks back on the October visit from the mysterious man, she thinks that it "had no mark of the portentous" (86). What does this mean she felt about the visit at the time that it happened?

4. From what period is Ned and Mary's new home?

5. On page 95, Mary mentions the "fun of the frisson." What is a frisson?

(see the answer key)

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