The Landlady
What does the landlady look like when Billy first meets her?
She has a round, pink face, gentle blue eyes, and a warm, welcoming smile.
Where is Billy Weaver traveling from and where is he going?
He is traveling from London to Bath for a business meeting.
What does Billy see in the window of the Bed and Breakfast that attracts his attention?
A sign that says “BED AND BREAKFAST” and a vase of yellow chrysanthemums.
How does the author describe the weather when Billy arrives in Bath?
The air is “deadly cold,” and the wind feels like “a flat blade of ice” on his cheeks.
Why does Billy think the names in the guestbook seem familiar?
He feels like he has read them somewhere before, possibly in the newspapers.
How does the landlady react when Billy rings the doorbell?
She opens the door almost immediately, startling Billy.
How does Billy feel about himself as he walks through the city?
He feels confident and tries to act “briskly” because he believes successful businessmen behave that way.
What are some things Billy sees inside the Bed and Breakfast that make it seem welcoming?
A warm fire, comfortable furniture, a piano, and a small dachshund sleeping by the fire.
What does Billy notice about the street where he is walking?
The houses are large and old, but many of them are in poor condition with peeling paint.
Why does Billy decide to walk to The Bell and Dragon instead of taking a taxi?
He wants to save money and enjoys walking briskly like a successful businessman.
What does the landlady mean when she says she is "choosy" about her guests?
She only allows certain young men to stay, implying she carefully selects them.
Why does Billy hesitate to stay at the Bed and Breakfast?
He has never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast before, and he thinks of them as strange.
What does Billy notice about the hallway when he enters the house?
There are no coats, hats, or umbrellas, which is unusual for a place with guests.
How does Billy feel when he sees the Bed and Breakfast compared to The Bell and Dragon?
The Bed and Breakfast looks warm and comfortable, while The Bell and Dragon seems more lively but less cozy.
Why does Billy ask the porter for help when he arrives in Bath?
He doesn’t know the town and wants to find a cheap place to stay.
Why does the landlady say she is happy that Billy arrived?
She was “beginning to get worried,” suggesting she had been waiting for someone like him
What does Billy notice about the guestbook?
There are only two other names in it, and they seem strangely familiar to him.
What does the landlady do to prepare Billy’s room?
She has already warmed the bed sheets for him.
Why does Billy stop walking away from the Bed and Breakfast?
He feels an almost hypnotic pull from the “BED AND BREAKFAST” sign in the window.
Where does the story happen?
Bath
What does the landlady say about Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Temple?
She claims they are still in the house and describes them as handsome young men.
Why does Billy begin to feel uneasy while talking to the landlady?
She makes odd comments about her past guests and seems overly focused on his appearance.
What does the landlady ask Billy to do before going to bed?
She asks him to sign the guestbook because "it’s the law."
How does the setting of the Bed and Breakfast contrast with Billy’s expectations?
It appears warm and inviting, but something about it feels slightly off.
Why does Billy feel reassured when he sees the dachshund sleeping by the fire?
He believes that having animals in a house is usually a good sign, making the place feel warm and welcoming.