She was a stranger in a world of strangers and they were strangers she had left behind - Shirley Jackson

I have been found wanting, Natalie thought; I have made myself unnacceptable and am not worthy.

Where did he go, your father?'

'Africa.'

'What for?'

'To shoot lions, of course.'

'What on Earth for?' said Mrs. Willow blankly.

'Some people shoot lions,' the girl said pleasantly, 'and some people do not shoot lions. My father is one of the people who do.

Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its hills, holding darkness within; it had stood so for eighty years and might stand for eighty more.