2. When Ned speeds off to talk with the mysterious visitor on that day in October, why does it take Mary so long to follow?
(a) She is dizzy and has to move carefully.
(b) One of the heels of her shoes has come loose.
(c) She is too frightened of the ghost to move, at first.
(d) Ned tells her not to follow him.

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?
(a) It did not seem to have any significant meaning for the future.
(b) It was clearly unlucky.
(c) It was an obvious breach of etiquette.
(d) It did not seem as confusing at the time as it would later become.

4. According to Alida, what is unusual about the ghost at Ned and Mary's new house?
(a) It can assume a physical form.
(b) It can take different forms depending on who is living in the house.
(c) No one knows they have seen it until quite a while after they actually see it.
(d) It can come and go--it is not "bound" to the house itself.

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

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. When the young man appears behind Mary, who does she at first assume that he is?

3. When Mary is waiting in the library at the beginning of the story, where is Ned?

4. For the past week, what has Mary been assuming is the cause for Ned's need to be alone and his odd mood?

5. What does Mary learn from the contents of the envelope?

(see the answer key)

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