Carolyn chides Vicki for becoming obsessed with the past. Vicki--wearing a dark velvet robe--is up in her room, preferring to listen to the music box over and over instead of getting ready for a date with Burke. And who can blame her?
Burke gives Barnabas a dressing-down about the costume party. He says, On account of the party, not only did Vicki think she saw that little girl at the Old House, she also thought she saw Maggie Evans at the cemetery. Impossible! says the ambushed Barnabas. Maggie Evans is dead, so there was nothing _to_ see. She couldn’t have seen Maggie Evans-- [slowly] any more than she could have seen that little girl on the stairs.
Vicki enthuses to Barnabas about the possibility of his helping "Miss" Hoffman write her history of some of the old New England families. But Barnabas is able to curb his enthusiasm. Now Vicki spots the book that Barnabas came to give her. It’s really of very little interest, he says deprecatingly. I was going to give it to you, but the others talked me out of it. His method works perfectly, as now nothing will do for Vicki but that she must have the book. Opening it up, she sees that he has inscribed it to her. Why weren’t you going to give it to me? she asks. Without a shred of remorse, Burke admits, I didn’t want Barnabas to give it to you. Vicki glares at Burke, and Barnabas says primly, I’m sorry if I created a somewhat clumsy situation. It isn’t _your_ fault, Vicki says pointedly. After Barnabas leaves, Burke tells Vicki, What you need is a good time--good and loud--and I’m gonna give it to you. Ewwwww!!
Vicki and Burke end up quarreling as yet another storm starts up. He leaves in a huff. Vicki looks a little sorry, but immediately dips into the book. But the next moment, she's hurried down to the Old House to apologize for everyone's behavior. But the storm has become too violent for her to go home, and Barnabas invites her to wait till it dies down. In his most spellbinding voice, he tells her, This room is never lovelier than when it is lit by lightning, and the thunder echoing down the corridors. Vicki concludes apologetically that she must spend the night at the Old House. Barnabas is only too eager to play host and tells her that Josette's room is ready for her at all times. Yes, of course, Vicki says--Josette’s room. Barnabas smiles with unholy anticipation; as he draws close behind her, his eyes stray toward her neck....
