Summary

George and Clare host parties quite frequently at their home. One night Floyd DeBeers and his wife join them for dinner. During a tour of the house, Floyd abruptly stops when they reach the master bedroom, telling Catherine that they’re “not alone” (235), and that “she doesn’t mean you any harm. She wants you to know that” (235), clearly indicating that the spirit is Ella Hale. Floyd prods Catherine about her happiness in her marriage and with the move, seeming to sense that not all is well in their home.

Afterwards, George asks Catherine what Floyd said about him, and Catherine says he did not say anything about him at all. She “realized her heart was beating very fast” (238) during George’s questioning, and senses that “he might want to hurt her” (238). After George goes to...