View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. 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 it is like a kindly older person that keeps secrets for the good of others.
(c) That it seems to be trying to communicate something urgent to her.
(d) That is is like an evil creature squatting in the landcape.

3. What does Mary learn from the contents of the envelope?
(a) All of their money is gone.
(b) Her husband is being sued.
(c) Bob Elwell is dead.
(d) Her husband is a criminal.

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

5. On that evening in the library in section "II," what does Mary see has happened when she looks up from preparing the tea?
(a) Ned's face has changed and he looks completely himself again.
(b) Trimmle has been standing in the doorway, eavesdropping.
(c) Somehow, all of the lamps have been blown out at once.
(d) Ned is staring in horror out the library window.

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

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

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

9. What does Mary conclude she needs to do in order to see the ghost?
(a) Stop actively looking for it.
(b) Make a habit of speaking out loud to the ghost.
(c) Get to know the house better.
(d) Find out whose ghost it is supposed to be.

10. Why is the information about Bob Elwell's slow death so significant to Mary?
(a) She realizes that the timing lines up with the sightings of the ghost.
(b) She cannot help being glad that the man who made her husband suffer also suffered.
(c) She realizes that Ned lied when he told her that everything was resolved.
(d) She is devastated about how much suffering her husband caused.

11. What is the only descriptive detail that the maid is able to give Mary about the stranger's appearance?
(a) He walked with a limp.
(b) He was not very tall.
(c) He wore foreign clothing.
(d) He had an unusual hat.

12. When Mary searches Ned's desk, to whom does she find he has been writing?
(a) Bob Elwell.
(b) Parvis.
(c) The Waukesha Sentinel.
(d) Alida Stair.

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

14. What did Mary and Ned discover about their roof?
(a) It has a hidden walkway.
(b) It has one more chimney than they have fireplaces inside.
(c) It appears to be a different color over the library.
(d) There is a recently replaced section.

15. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the narrator say that Ned and Mary are "two romantic Americans" (83)?

2. What does Mary learn about the Blue Star Mine deal from her visitor in section "V"?

3. While she is thinking it over in the library, where does Mary finally decide the blame lies for Ned's distracted, anxious mood?

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. What does Mary suddenly remember finding one day in October?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 923 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample