In "The Californias Tale" By Mark Twain

7. Describe the inside of the cottage. What is your impression of it? How does the narrator feel about it?

8. How is the cottage different from the other dwellings that the narrator has seen in the area?
9. What was so special about Henry's cottage?
10. Why was Henry so persistent on keeping the Californian at his house until Saturday?
11. What item did Henry subtly hint that he wanted the Californian to find?
12. Why does the man not want to stay and meet the Californian’s wife?
13. Why did Henry's friends stop by right before Saturday?
14. Why did Joe tell the Californian to take the other glass when he reached for Henry's?
15. Explain what happened to Henry’s wife?
16. How is the ending shocking? Were you expecting it? How did the author foreshadow this truth throughout the story?
17. Identify three or more ways that Twain builds suspense. Which way do you think is more effective?