1. On page 84, the reader learns about the "prodigious windfall" that Ned and Mary experienced. Where did this "prodigious windfall" come from?
(a) The Blue Star Mine.
(b) The Waukesha Sentinel.
(c) Ned's engineering job.
(d) The death of their cousin Hugo.

2. 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.

3. 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 snatches the mail from her and throws it into the fire.
(d) He relaxes and tells her it is nothing to worry about.

4. 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 they are clearly deeply in love.
(c) Because neither one has any common sense.
(d) Because they tell Alida a far-fetched story about their previous home.

5. What does Ned's motive seem to be when he first brings up the subject of whether the house has a ghost?
(a) He is trying to frighten Mary.
(b) He is joking about how old the house is.
(c) He thinks that living in a "haunted" house will add to his reputation as a writer.
(d) He is looking for an excuse to back out of buying the house.

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 Ned is still gone by the time Mary finishes lunch, where does she decide he must be?

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

4. What have Mary's new neighbors told her about the ghost?

5. Why does Mary ask the mysterious young man whether he has an appointment with Ned?

(see the answer key)

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