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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 they tell Alida a far-fetched story about their previous home.
(d) Because neither one has any common sense.

2. As Mary thinks back over the events of October, she sees a figure coming toward the house again. Who is it?
(a) The ghost.
(b) Ned.
(c) The boiler repairman.
(d) The letter carrier, delivering their mail.

3. What does Ned say, on page 83, must be true for him to believe a house is old?
(a) It must be "thoroughly uncomfortable."
(b) It must be "bought out of an exhibition."
(c) It must be "practical."
(d) It must be "a registered home."

4. In section "II," what question does Mary repeatedly ask Ned that evening in the library?
(a) She asks him what secret he is keeping from her.
(b) She asks whether it was a good idea to move into this particular house.
(c) She asks whether he has given up trying to see the ghost.
(d) She asks whether he is having an affair.

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

6. When the young man appears behind Mary, who does she at first assume that he is?
(a) Bob Elwell.
(b) The ghost.
(c) A tourist.
(d) The boiler repairman.

7. When Mary, startled by the envelope's contents, cries out and rises to her feet, how does Ned react?
(a) He laughs loudly and tells her to stop being dramatic.
(b) He quietly tells her to sit back down.
(c) He rushes to her side to comfort her.
(d) He looks cornered and guilty.

8. When the story refers to "Boyne," who or what is being referred to?
(a) Mary.
(b) Ned.
(c) Ned's father.
(d) The house.

9. Where is Mary and Ned's house located?
(a) Shropshire.
(b) Devon.
(c) Dorsetshire.
(d) Kent.

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

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

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

13. Mary thinks about the "latent" significance of a piece of information on page 83. What kind of meaning does this information have?
(a) Meaning that reveals a hidden aspect of the speaker.
(b) Meaning that stays with a person and is hard to "shake."
(c) Meaning that seems positive at first but later reveals a negative side.
(d) Meaning that was always there but takes time to emerge.

14. 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) One of the heels of her shoes has come loose.
(b) She is too frightened of the ghost to move, at first.
(c) Ned tells her not to follow him.
(d) She is dizzy and has to move carefully.

15. For the past week, what has Mary been assuming is the cause for Ned's need to be alone and his odd mood?
(a) She thinks that he has seen the ghost.
(b) She thinks that he misses having a regular job to go to.
(c) She thinks that his book is not going very well.
(d) She thinks that he regrets moving to England.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Mary and Ned discover about their roof?

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

3. When Mary searches Ned's desk, to whom does she find he has been writing?

4. In Mary's mind, what is the only possible source of information about what has happened to Ned?

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

(see the answer keys)

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