I can tell you a bit about your uncle if you like," she said aloud.
"He lives in a big old house, a long way from anywhere.
There are nearly a hundred rooms,but most of them are shut and locked.
There is a big park round the house,and all kinds of gardens.
Well,what do you think of that"?
"Nothing,"replied Mary. "It does not matter to me".
Mrs Medlock laughed. "You are a hard little girl!
Well, if you do not care, Mr Craven does not either.
He never spends time on anyone.
He is got a crooked back,you see,and although he is always been rich,
he was never really happy until he married ".
"Married?"repeated Mary in surprise.
"Yes, he married a sweet, pretty girl, and he loved her deeply.
So when she died-,
"Oh! Did she die?" asked Mary, interested.
"Yes,she did. And now he does not care about anybody.
If he is at home, he stays in his room and sees nobody.
He will not to see you, so you must stay out of his way and do what you are told".
Mary stared out of the train window at the grey sky and the rain.
She was not looking forward to life at her uncle's house.
The train journey lasted all day, and it was dark when they arrived at the station.
Then there was a long drive to get to the house.
It was a cold, windy night, and it was raining heavily.
After a while Mary began go hear a strange, wild noise.
She looked out of the windows, but could see nothing except the darkness.