A Strange Disappearance · Chapter
XII: A Woman’s Love explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Blake recounts his marriage to Luttra, a humble waif he chose to satisfy his father's demand for a wife who would not rival Evelyn Blake. He describes their hasty wedding in Troy, his initial shock at her beauty, and her heroic rescue of him during a storm in Vermont. After overhearing his regretful words, Luttra leaves him, declaring she will remain his wife in name only until he truly needs her.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Luttra's selfless love is shown through her willingness to leave Mr. Blake to preserve his relationship with his father, despite her devotion.
Class and Disguise
Mr. Blake chooses Luttra for her humble status, expecting an obedient wife, but her true nobility and intellect surprise him.
Family and Control
Mr. Blake's father exerts control over his son's marriage, demanding a wife who will not rival Evelyn Blake.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Blake
Narrates his decision to marry Luttra, his shock at her transformation, and his regret after she overhears his words.
- Luttra
Described as a heroic, young, and willful woman who rescues Mr. Blake during a storm, marries him, and later leaves him after hearing his regret.
- The Master of the House
Mr. Blake's dying father, who demands a wife for his son and is moved by Luttra's presence.
- Mrs. Daniels
Attends to Mr. Blake's father and reports that Luttra has left the house.
- Miss Evelyn Blake
Mentioned as the woman Mr. Blake loved but could not marry; her haughty patrician grace contrasts with Luttra.
Key passages
“you must marry another woman to retain your wealth, marry,’ said she, ‘but do not marry one of my associates. I will have no rival in my own empire; your wife must be a plainer and a less aspiring woman than Evelyn Blake.”
Evelyn Blake insists Mr. Blake must marry a woman who is not her equal, to avoid competition.
Evelyn's demand sets the condition for Mr. Blake's choice of Luttra.
“How I won that woman to marry me in ten days time I care not to state. Not by holding up my wealth and position before her. Something restrained me from that. I was resolved, and perhaps it was the only point of light in my conduct at that time, not to buy this young girl.”
Mr. Blake refuses to use his wealth to persuade Luttra to marry him, seeing this as his one redeeming action.
Highlights Mr. Blake's conflicted conscience and his attempt at moral behavior.
“The son must never forsake the father,’ said she. ‘If either of us must leave the house this day, let it be I.’”
Luttra insists that Mr. Blake stay with his dying father, choosing to leave herself.
Demonstrates Luttra's self-sacrifice and understanding of family duty.