Stave Two: At the Flat in Weatherall Walk Summary

Winnie arrives at an empty Ridge House. She is bewildered as to where her step-cousin John could be and why he wouldn't have at least left her a note. Winnie lets herself in and pokes around, observing a portrait in John's bedroom. The painting says it is of "Scrooge", but Winnie knows it clarifies on the back that it is actually her relative, Ozias Rudge. The portrait is described in great detail until Winnie decides it is giving her the creeps and leaves the room.

When Winnie calls and checks her messages at home in Boston, she is unnerved to learn she has five hang-ups. She feels this is a message in itself since most people who don't want to leave a message hang up as soon as they...