Chapter 3 Summary

As the two women walk back to Hill House in the gathering dusk, Eleanor sees Luke for the first time. "Journeys end in lovers meeting," she thinks (pg. 41). Luke greets the two women with courtly flirtatiousness, which Eleanor finds silly, but to which Theodora responds with her usual good cheer. They all share a laugh over the sour-faced Mrs. Dudley and her less than charming husband. Luke introduces himself and Eleanor is surprised to learn he is a member of the family that owns Hill House. Theodora introduces herself and Eleanor as two scared little girls who are afraid of rabbits. Just then, Dr. Montague appears on the front porch and welcomes the ladies into the house.

Inside, Montague acknowledges Luke as the future owner of Hill House and then asks Luke to make him a martini. Dr. Montague leads everyone down the...