Tom's Midnight Garden - Chapters 13 and 14 - Reading Comprehension answers

In Chapters 13 and 14 of "Tom's Midnight Garden," Tom grapples with the perplexing nature of time, which marches steadily forward in his aunt and uncle's flat, yet seems to fluctuate between past and present within the mysterious garden. His illness, paradoxically, becomes a blessing as it extends his stay, allowing him more time to explore this captivating space. Driven by curiosity, Tom decides to engage Mrs Bartholomew in conversation, hoping her knowledge of the house's history might shed light on the enigmatic grandfather clock, the garden, and its youthful inhabitants.

Tom's intrigue deepens as he initiates a discussion about ghosts, seeking to comprehend the nightly anomaly of the clock striking thirteen. His research into historical fashion, sparked by the distinct attire of Hatty and her cousins, leads him to learn about the advent of trousers in the early 19th century. Through discussions with Aunt Gwen and his own deductions, Tom concludes that Hatty, who can see him while others in the garden cannot, must be a ghost from Queen Victoria's era—a notion mirrored by Hatty's belief that Tom, with his peculiar clothing and ability to pass through doors, must be a spectral visitor himself.