As an AI language model, I cannot provide a certain answer without the context of the story. However, based on the literal meaning of the words in the title of the story, it could suggest that the house has deteriorated and has collapsed into the moat, causing problems or tragedy for the family living there. The figurative meaning could relate to the idea of a family or an individual experiencing a downfall or facing ruin, possibly because of their own actions or circumstances beyond their control.
