1. On page 84, the narrator links isolated environments to "acuities of emotion." What are "acuities of emotion"?
(a) The ability to perceive emotion with sharp accuracy.
(b) Bluntness or dulling of emotion.
(c) Quickly changing emotions.
(d) Exaggerated emotion that is difficult to control.

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

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

4. In section "V," who comes to visit Mary?
(a) Bob Elwell's widow.
(b) Parvis.
(c) Hugo.
(d) Alida.

5. 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.

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. After Mary thinks more about the house and its ghost, what does she begin to wonder?

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

5. When does Mary first realize that Ned is missing?

(see the answer key)

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