1. How does Ilona initially react to seeing Hofmiller in the street after he does not appear for dinner as has become his custom?
(a) She asks him to take her out for a drink.
(b) She ignores him and begins to flirt with his friends.
(c) She says she's in a hurry and tries to rush away from him.
(d) She is delighted to see him and greets him warmly and affectionately.

2. What happens when Hofmiller arrives at the castle to thank Kekesfalva for the dinner invitation?
(a) The family is not at home.
(b) The family is offended and rescinds his dinner invitation.
(c) He is turned away because he doesn't have an appointment.
(d) Kekesfalva invites him to stay for tea.

3. What does Hofmiller see as the only negative aspect of the time he spends with Kekesfalva and his family?
(a) Edith and Ilona seem to be competing for his attention and affection.
(b) The servants are not attentive enough.
(c) Edith's angry outbursts whenever there is a suggestion that she needs help.
(d) Neither Edith nor Ilona seem to be interested in him.

4. Hofmiller shows his friends a gift that Kekesfalva gave him. What is the item?
(a) A gold cigarette case.
(b) An expensive first-edition book.
(c) A silver flask.
(d) A gold pen.

5. Why is Edith happy, rather than upset, when a new maid reacts in horror to the fact that she is disabled?
(a) She thinks the maid will wait on her more if she feels sorry for her.
(b) It is an honest, human reaction, as opposed to the coddling she usually receives from others.
(c) Her father wants her to hide her disability, but Edith wants others to know about it.
(d) She finds the maid's reaction funny.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hofmiller try to keep his two worlds - his life in the military and his relationship with the Kekesfalva family - separate from each other?

2. Why does Kekesfalva like Dr. Condor so much?

3. What does Hofmiller do when he arrives at the castle and finds Edith sleeping on the terrace?

4. In his own introduction to the book, where does Zweig say the story came from?

5. How does Kekesfalva plan to repay Hofmiller for talking to Dr. Condor for him?

(see the answer key)

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