Question

Why did hallock feel pretty helpless when helen appeared to him for the first time?

Answer 1

its because when he saw helen appering in parts he was tottaly confuded and scared actualy he is not expecting a 'gost' in his own home. the event was totaly unexpected so he felt helpless for himself

Answer 2

Hallock  feel pretty helpless on Seeing  Helen for first time because he was a ghost as a strange look and sudden but staged appearance was scary enough to teerify and unnerve  him one could not but feel Helpless When one is alone with the goast as an uinvited guest