1. On page 95, Mary mentions the "fun of the frisson." What is a frisson?
(a) The feeling of "butterflies" in one's stomach.
(b) A sensation of chills or prickling down one's back.
(c) A frightening story.
(d) A teasing remark.

2. What aspect of the house does Alida mention that finally convinces Ned and Mary that it is as old as they are hoping?
(a) It has no central heating system.
(b) It is in the official register of historic homes.
(c) It has no electrical system.
(d) It has a very unreliable water supply.

3. 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?
(a) They had a map of England pinned over their kitchen table at their old house in America.
(b) They were discussing a move to England even before they got married.
(c) They had already pre-planned every detail of how they would spend their days.
(d) They made an agreement with one another that they would do "anything" it took to make their dream come true.

4. In section "III," when Mary looks at the house from across the property, what does she feel about the house?
(a) That it seems to be laughing at her, somehow, almost mockingly.
(b) That is is like an evil creature squatting in the landcape.
(c) That it is like a kindly older person that keeps secrets for the good of others.
(d) That it seems to be trying to communicate something urgent to her.

5. When does Mary first realize that Ned is missing?
(a) When she tries to find him to tell him that lunch is ready.
(b) When Trimmle comes in to ask her whether she has seen Ned.
(c) When the boiler repairman asks to speak with him.
(d) When the stranger reappears and asks for him again.

Short Answer Questions

1. When they are all laughing about the idea of a ghost, what does it mean that Mary "noted a certain flatness of tone in Alida's answering hilarity" (83)?

2. What event causes Mary to temporarily forget about the mysterious man they saw in October?

3. What does Ned's motive seem to be when he first brings up the subject of whether the house has a ghost?

4. When Mary discards her first two ideas about what is bothering Ned, she comes to a conclusion that upsets her. What is it?

5. Why is the information about Bob Elwell's slow death so significant to Mary?

(see the answer key)

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