1. When Mary tells Ned what she has learned from her mail, how does Ned react?
(a) He gets angry at her and asks whether she trusts him.
(b) He looks guilty and immediately leaves the room.
(c) He relaxes and tells her it is nothing to worry about.
(d) He snatches the mail from her and throws it into the fire.

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

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 having an affair.
(c) Ned is angry at her.
(d) Ned is keeping a secret from her.

4. Which character opens the story on page 83 by saying "Oh, there is one, of course, but you'll never know it"?
(a) Mary Boyne.
(b) Alida Stair.
(c) Ned Boyne.
(d) Trimmle.

5. What is the name of Mary and Ned's house?
(a) Lyng.
(b) Pangbourne.
(c) Merton.
(d) Boyne.

Short Answer Questions

1. When section "III" opens, Mary is spending the morning working outdoors. She goes into the area where the "espaliered" pear trees are (89). What kind of pear trees are these?

2. When the story refers to "Boyne," who or what is being referred to?

3. As Mary thinks back over the events of October, she sees a figure coming toward the house again. Who is it?

4. What detail does the narrator relate as evidence of how much Ned and Mary have yearned for a life like the one they have in England?

5. When Mary, startled by the envelope's contents, cries out and rises to her feet, how does Ned react?

(see the answer key)

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